Energy: in-state geothermal energy generation.

Assembly Member Papan's geothermal energy legislation directs the California Energy Commission to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for expanding in-state geothermal power generation, with submission to the Legislature required by June 2027. The plan must address site selection, transmission needs, permitting processes, and economic impacts while incorporating input from Native American tribes, utilities, and industry stakeholders.

The bill requires the Energy Commission to coordinate with multiple state agencies to identify suitable locations for new geothermal development and establish state land leasing targets for 2035 and 2045. It mandates creation of a detailed permitting roadmap outlining timeframes and agency responsibilities for project approvals. The Public Utilities Commission must designate new in-state geothermal as a long lead-time resource in transmission planning processes.

Additional provisions direct assessment of workforce development needs, evaluation of rental and royalty structures, and analysis of transmission infrastructure requirements. The legislation maintains existing agency authority over project-specific approvals while establishing an advisory framework to guide geothermal expansion. It explicitly states that no minimum procurement requirements or technology set-asides are created for load-serving entities.