Bill > AB526

This bill requires the California Energy Commission to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for expanding in-state geothermal energy generation by June 30, 2027. The strategic plan must address multiple key areas, including identifying suitable locations for new geothermal energy development, establishing state land leasing goals for 2035 and 2045, assessing transmission infrastructure needs, creating a permitting roadmap to streamline project approvals, analyzing economic and workforce development opportunities, evaluating potential environmental and cultural impacts, and determining appropriate rental and royalty structures. The bill aims to support California's clean energy goals by promoting the development of both conventional and next-generation geothermal technologies, which could potentially provide up to 27.9 gigawatts of resources by 2050. The strategic plan is intended to be advisory and does not automatically create new procurement mandates, but it seeks to ensure that geothermal energy development leads to investment and job creation within California rather than exporting those benefits to neighboring states. The legislation emphasizes collaboration between various state agencies, stakeholders, Native American tribes, and the geothermal energy industry to create a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to developing in-state geothermal resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB526