Bill > AB303

This bill addresses battery energy storage facilities by implementing significant restrictions on their development and location. Specifically, the bill prohibits the authorization of any development project involving a battery energy storage system (defined as a system capable of storing 200 megawatt-hours or more of energy) if the project is located within 3,200 feet of a sensitive receptor (which includes residences, schools, healthcare facilities, and other public spaces) or on an environmentally sensitive site. The bill defines "environmentally sensitive site" extensively, covering areas such as coastal zones, wetlands, prime farmland, high fire hazard zones, hazardous waste sites, earthquake fault zones, flood-prone areas, and lands with protected habitats. Additionally, the bill amends existing energy facility regulations to explicitly exclude battery energy storage systems from certain certification processes and requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to deny any pending applications for such systems. The legislation is framed as an urgency statute, with lawmakers citing potential fire hazards as the immediate justification for its swift implementation. The bill applies to all cities in California, including charter cities, and is designed to address what the legislature considers a matter of statewide concern regarding energy storage facility safety and environmental protection.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB303