Bill > AB550

This bill amends the California Endangered Species Act to facilitate renewable energy development while providing protections for species. The bill authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue permits for the "take" (harm or disturbance) of declining or vulnerable species associated with renewable electrical generation facilities, with certain conditions. Specifically, if a species is considered "at-risk" and was anticipated in a previous permit, no additional authorization would be required if the take complies with existing permit terms. The bill allows the department to partner with permit applicants to develop research projects evaluating the impact of renewable energy facilities on at-risk species, and these research projects could potentially contribute to the project's environmental mitigation requirements. The legislation is part of California's broader goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and increase clean energy capacity, recognizing that clean energy projects can help mitigate climate change and potentially protect endangered species in the long term. The bill requires the department to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2030, on the implementation of these provisions, including details about projects involving at-risk species, the effectiveness of the approach, and resources required. The overall intent is to create a more collaborative approach to species conservation that balances environmental protection with the urgent need to develop renewable energy infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB550