Energy storage systems.

Senator Laird's Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025 establishes comprehensive safety standards for large-scale energy storage systems in California by incorporating the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 Standard into state building codes. The legislation requires the California Building Standards Commission and State Fire Marshal to adopt provisions at least as protective as the most recent NFPA 855 Standard in building code updates after July 1, 2026.

For energy storage systems capable of storing 200 megawatt-hours or more, the bill creates a new certification process requiring compliance with NFPA 855 standards and consultation with local fire departments. Applications submitted after January 1, 2026, must document that developers met with fire officials at least 30 days before filing to discuss system design and emergency response plans. The legislation restricts new energy storage installations to dedicated-use noncombustible buildings or approved outdoor locations, with mandatory inspections by local fire departments or State Fire Marshal representatives before operations can begin.

The act applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions, including charter cities, though local governments retain authority to implement more stringent requirements. While applicants must bear inspection costs, the bill addresses potential fiscal impacts on local agencies through existing fee authority and state mandate reimbursement procedures. These provisions aim to standardize safety measures as energy storage deployment expands across the state.