Geothermal powerplants and geothermal field development projects: certification and environmental review.

Assembly Member Rogers, joined by Assembly Member Papan, proposes expanding California's environmental leadership development project certification program to include geothermal powerplants and geothermal field development projects. The measure would allow these facilities to access the same streamlined environmental review process currently available to other renewable energy projects through the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission.

Under existing law, the Energy Commission can certify qualifying energy projects as environmental leadership developments through June 30, 2029. This certification serves in place of other governmental permits and provides California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining benefits. Currently eligible projects include solar and wind facilities generating 50 megawatts or more, large-scale energy storage systems, non-fossil fuel thermal powerplants, and certain renewable energy manufacturing facilities.

The bill adds geothermal powerplants and geothermal field development projects, as defined in state code, to the list of facilities that may apply for this certification. Projects receiving this designation would undergo the Energy Commission's consolidated review process rather than obtaining multiple environmental permits from various agencies. The certification deadline of June 30, 2029, remains unchanged for all eligible facility types.