This page last reviewed February 26, 2009

Background

The Connelly-Areias-Chandler Rice Straw Burning Reduction Act of 1991 mandates that rice straw burning in the Sacramento Valley be phased down starting in 1992 and, beginning in September 2001, allowed only under specified conditions for disease control (Conditional Rice Straw Burning Permit Regulation)

Reports

The ARB, along with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, have been directed to prepare biennial reports on the progress of the phase down of rice straw burning in the Sacramento Valley. These reports (1997 to 2003) are available for download. In 2004, Assembly Bill 2701 (Runner), removed the report requirement.

The ARB has also reported on issues affecting rice straw supply (Rice Straw Supply) and alternatives to burning (Rice Straw Diversion Plan).

The Advisory Committee on Alternatives to Rice Straw Burning, created in 1991 by the Connelly-Areias-Chandler Rice Straw Burning Reduction Act, has published several reports on the status of alternatives to rice straw burning in the Sacramento Valley Air Basin. These reports can be found on the Advisory Committee webpage

Financial Incentives

Several programs exist to financially assist rice straw end-users and to provide further incentive for the off-field use of rice straw. These program (Tax Credit and Grant Programs) are designed to encourage alternatives to burning.

Resources

A list of rice straw products and suppliers is available from the California Rice Commission (Rice Straw Resource List ). This resource list is maintained by the staff of the California Rice Commission and should not be construed as product or service endorsements by the Air Resources Board.