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AB-303 • 2026

Battery energy storage facilities.

Battery energy storage facilities.

Education Energy Land
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Addis
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on how local agencies will enforce the prohibition or what happens after applications are denied by the commission.

Battery Energy Storage Facilities Regulations

AB-303 changes rules about battery energy storage systems, excluding them from the definition of energy storage systems and requiring the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to deny certain applications.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes existing laws so that battery energy storage systems are not included in the definition of energy storage systems for certification purposes.
  • Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to deny any pending applications for battery energy storage systems as of the bill's effective date.
  • Prohibits local agencies from authorizing development projects with large battery energy storage systems if they are within 3,200 feet of sensitive receptors or on environmentally sensitive sites.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People proposing battery energy storage facilities
  • Local agencies that review development project applications

Terms To Know

Sensitive receptor
A place or area where people live, work, or go to school that could be affected by environmental risks.
Environmentally sensitive site
An area with special ecological value, such as a nature reserve or wetland.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens to applications that are denied by the commission.
  • It is unclear how local agencies will enforce these new rules.
  • There may be additional costs for local agencies to implement and manage these changes, but no reimbursement is required.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-04-02 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

  4. 2025-03-10 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Coms. on U. & E., NAT. RES. and L. GOV.

  5. 2025-01-24 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee February 23.

  6. 2025-01-23 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 303, as introduced, Addis.
Battery energy storage facilities.
Existing law, until June 30, 2029, authorizes a person proposing an eligible facility, including an energy storage system capable of storing 200 megawatthours or more of energy, to submit an application for certification with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission of the site and related facility. Existing law specifies that the issuance by the commission of the certificate is in lieu of any permit, certificate, or similar document required by any state, local, or regional agency, or federal agency to the extent permitted by federal law, except as provided. Existing law establishes the procedures by which the commission is to review the application.
This bill would specify that energy storage systems do not include battery energy storage systems for the above-described purposes. The bill would require the commission to
deny applications for a battery energy storage system that are pending as of the effective date of the bill.
Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, sets forth various requirements relating to the review of development project permit applications and the issuance of development permits for specified classes of development projects.
This bill would prohibit the authorization of a development project that includes a battery energy storage system capable of storing 200 megawatthours or more of energy if the development project is located within 3,200 feet of a sensitive receptor or is located on an environmentally sensitive site, as specified.
By modifying the duties of local agencies with regard to the approval of development projects that include a battery energy storage system, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This
bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF