Plain English Breakdown
The official source confirms the bill was vetoed but does not state whether a legislative override occurred, leaving that outcome uncertain based solely on this text.
Exempting Specific Energy Storage Water Ponds in Kern County from Dam Safety Rules
This vetoed bill would have removed state dam safety rules for certain water storage ponds used by compressed air energy systems in Kern County if they meet strict size and design limits.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a new exception to state dam safety laws for specific facilities in Kern County.
- Applies only to water storage linked to energy systems using compressed air technology.
- Requires the maximum height of any water pool to be 25 feet or less from the final engineered grade.
- Limits total water storage capacity to 1,500 acre-feet or less per facility.
- Mandates that a registered civil engineer must supervise all design and construction work.
Who It Names or Affects
- Operators of energy storage facilities in Kern County using compressed air technology.
- The state agency responsible for regulating dam safety and supervision.
Terms To Know
- Compressed Air Technology
- A method that stores energy by compressing air, which may require holding water in a pool for operation.
- Acres-feet
- A unit of volume used to measure large amounts of water; one acre-foot covers an area the size of a football field with 1 foot of water.
- Registered Civil Engineer
- A licensed professional qualified by law to design and supervise construction projects like dams or storage ponds.
Limits and Unknowns
- The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become a new state law.
- These rules would only apply to facilities located specifically within Kern County.
- It is unclear if lawmakers later voted to override the governor's veto.