The California Endangered Species Act: take of species: renewable electrical generation facilities.

Assembly Member Petrie-Norris's proposal to modify California's endangered species protections creates a streamlined pathway for renewable energy facilities to maintain their existing species take permits when certain animals or plants become officially listed as endangered or threatened. The measure adds Section 2081.3 to the Fish and Game Code, allowing facilities to continue operating under previously issued permits if they anticipated the potential listing of affected species and remain in compliance with all permit conditions.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife would gain authority to partner with permit holders on research examining how renewable energy installations affect at-risk species and their habitats. These department-approved studies could count toward facilities' required environmental mitigation measures. The legislation defines "at-risk species" as those proposed for listing or likely to become candidates for endangered or threatened status, while excluding species already carrying those designations.

By January 2030, the department must report to the Legislature on all projects utilizing these provisions, including details about authorized species takes and an analysis of the program's outcomes for both species protection and project operations. The reporting requirement expires in 2034 unless extended by subsequent legislation. The bill's findings note California's goals of achieving a net-zero carbon economy by 2045 and obtaining 60 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while maintaining the state's commitment to species conservation.