Bill > AB527

This bill amends California's environmental regulations for geothermal exploration projects by establishing a temporary California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for certain geothermal exploratory projects until January 1, 2031. The bill defines geothermal exploratory projects as involving up to six wells and associated equipment, now explicitly including activities to establish interconnectivity between wells and reservoirs. The exemption applies to projects meeting specific conditions, such as being no more than 20 acres in total, not disturbing more than 12 acres of undisturbed ground, and avoiding sensitive environmental and cultural areas. The bill requires project developers to conduct a reconnaissance survey identifying natural and cultural resources and engage in a scoping consultation with Native American tribes traditionally affiliated with the project area. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Geologic Energy Management Division develop regulations for enhanced geothermal system wells by January 1, 2029, addressing seismic risks, well construction, and other technical considerations. Before these regulations are implemented, operators must provide detailed information about well stimulation fluids and seismic monitoring plans. The bill also stipulates that future geothermal field development projects on sites where an exploratory project was conducted must use a baseline environmental assessment that reflects the site's condition before the exploratory project.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB527