Bill > AB1016

This bill amends California law to provide a temporary exemption process for geothermal power facilities from standard state energy facility certification requirements. Until January 1, 2030, the bill allows the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to exempt geothermal power plants from certification if they meet specific criteria, including: filing an application with the local government by June 30, 2029, having a generating capacity between 50 and 150 megawatts, being located in a county with an approved geothermal element in its general plan, and ensuring the use of a skilled and trained workforce. The local government will serve as the lead agency for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) instead of the state commission. The bill also establishes detailed requirements for workforce training, including mandating that contractors use workers who are either registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons, with at least 60% of skilled journeypersons being graduates of an approved apprenticeship program. This legislation aims to streamline the approval process for mid-sized geothermal power projects while ensuring high labor standards and local environmental oversight.

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

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1016