Power facilities: emergency response and action plans.

Assembly Member Davies' proposal to modify California's energy facility certification process would require applicants to submit detailed emergency response plans coordinated with local agencies. The legislation applies to electric transmission lines, thermal powerplants, and energy storage systems seeking state certification.

Under the proposed requirements, facility applications must include emergency response and action plans that address potential impacts on surrounding areas. These plans would be developed in conjunction with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and first responders. For energy storage systems specifically, the plans must incorporate feedback from local emergency management agencies regarding supplemental first responder needs and compliance with National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard setback requirements. The costs of developing these plans would be borne by the applicants rather than public agencies.

The measure builds upon existing application requirements, which already mandate safety and reliability information including emergency operations and shutdown procedures. By incorporating coordination with local emergency agencies and standardized safety protocols into the certification process, the proposal aims to establish consistent emergency preparedness standards across California's energy infrastructure projects.