Plain English Breakdown
The specific reason why no reimbursement is required is mentioned in the bill but not detailed in the provided text.
AB-303: Rules for Large Battery Energy Storage Facilities
This law stops a state commission from certifying large battery storage projects and bans building them near sensitive areas or on environmentally sensitive sites.
What This Bill Does
- Removes battery energy storage systems from the list of facilities that can get special certification to skip other permits.
- Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to deny any pending applications for these battery projects as of the effective date.
- Prohibits local agencies from approving development projects with large batteries if they are within 3,200 feet of a sensitive receptor or on an environmentally sensitive site.
- States that this rule applies to all cities, including those with their own charters.
Who It Names or Affects
- The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission
- Local agencies responsible for approving development projects
- People or companies proposing battery energy storage systems of 200 megawatthours or more
Terms To Know
- Battery energy storage system
- A facility that stores electricity in batteries for later use.
- Sensitive receptor
- Places where people live, work, or go to school that could be affected by nearby hazards.
- Urgency statute
- A law that takes effect immediately after being passed instead of waiting for the usual start date.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill states no reimbursement is required but does not specify the exact reason in this summary.
- The text defines 'environmentally sensitive site' as specified by law but does not list every type of site here.
- Existing laws regarding these facilities are set to expire on June 30, 2029.