Bill > SB25

This bill aims to strengthen the regulatory review process for well stimulation treatment projects in California to protect public health, safety, and the environment, while also protecting the livelihoods of essential workers in the San Joaquin Valley. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Requiring the operator of a well to monitor the California Integrated Seismic Network for indications of earthquakes of magnitude 2.7 or greater within a radius of 5 times the axial dimensional stimulation area during and for 30 days after hydraulic fracturing. If such an earthquake is detected, the operator must notify the Geologic Energy Management Division, and the division must evaluate whether the hydraulic fracturing is causally connected to the earthquake and whether it creates a heightened risk of seismic activity before allowing further hydraulic fracturing in that area. 2. Requiring the operator of a well to provide the division a written report within 72 hours of an unauthorized release of certain fluids, detailing the activities leading to the release, the type and volume of fluid released, the cause, the actions taken to stop and respond to the release, and any changes in operational procedures to prevent future releases. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that any jobs or economic activity affected by the strengthening of the regulatory review process are fully compensated for and retained, to protect the employees and communities in the San Joaquin Valley.