Energy: transportation fuels assessment.

Assembly Member Bennett's transportation fuels legislation expands California's assessment requirements to include specific mitigation recommendations for identified supply and pricing challenges. The bill modifies the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission's existing triennial reporting process by requiring proposed solutions alongside analysis of fuel reserves, price fluctuations, and supply conditions.

The legislation authorizes the commission to obtain necessary data from the State Air Resources Board, Geologic Energy Management Division, and other relevant agencies when preparing assessments and recommendations. These entities must provide requested information to support comprehensive evaluation of factors including refinery maintenance impacts, alternative supply methods, and regulatory effects on fuel availability. The assessment process requires public development and commission approval during official business meetings.

New evaluation requirements take effect with the first assessment after January 2025, adding analysis of future petroleum import needs, port infrastructure adequacy, and state regulations' effects on fuel supplies. The bill enables direct commission contracting for assessment work without Department of General Services review while maintaining input from both the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight and Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee.