Plain English Breakdown
The official text specifies that the plan must be submitted by June 30, 2027, but does not provide an effective date for when the law itself takes effect.
AB-526: Plan for New Geothermal Energy in California
This law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to create a strategic plan by June 30, 2027, that identifies locations, sets leasing goals, and outlines steps for building new geothermal energy projects within California.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the Energy Commission to write a strategic plan for new in-state geothermal energy with help from other agencies.
- Directs agencies to work with tribes, local groups, industry leaders, and federal partners to find suitable locations for these energy projects.
- Sets goals for leasing state lands for geothermal development by the years 2035 and 2045.
- Orders an assessment of power lines needed to connect new geothermal plants to the electric grid.
- Requires a roadmap that lists timeframes and steps to speed up permits for building these energy sites.
- Asks agencies to study rental fees and royalties to ensure California remains competitive with other states and federal lands.
Who It Names or Affects
- The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission)
- Native American tribes in California
- Companies that generate or sell geothermal energy
- State agencies responsible for land, conservation, business development, and utilities
Terms To Know
- Geothermal Energy
- Electricity made from heat found deep inside the Earth.
- Permitting Roadmap
- A plan that lists all the steps and time limits needed to get official approval for a project.
- Long Lead-Time Resource
- An energy source designated as taking many years to build, which helps planners prioritize it early in grid planning.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not state the exact dollar amount of funding available for these projects.
- The final strategic plan is due by June 30, 2027, but specific project locations are not named yet.
- The text describes goals and assessments but does not guarantee that all planned energy will be built.