Hazardous waste control laws: exemption: geothermal resources.
- Expands exemptions for geothermal waste from state hazardous waste control regulations.
- Transfers oversight of geothermal waste management to regional water quality control boards.
- Removes time and containment restrictions previously limiting geothermal waste exemptions.
Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's proposal to modify California's hazardous waste control laws would expand exemptions for geothermal waste generated during energy exploration, development, and production activities. The legislation removes existing limitations that currently restrict exemptions based on containment methods and storage duration.
Under current law, geothermal waste loses its exempt status when it is no longer contained in piping systems or specified containment structures, or when it remains in lined surface impoundments beyond 18 months after the last waste deposit. The bill eliminates these containment and timeline restrictions while maintaining the basic framework that exempts non-drilling geothermal waste from hazardous waste requirements. The exemption continues to exclude hazardous materials not directly related to geothermal operations, such as used vehicle oil or machinery lubricants.
The measure preserves existing provisions that place geothermal drilling waste under the regulatory authority of California's regional water quality control boards rather than standard hazardous waste protocols. It also retains current exemptions for certain wastes from mineral extraction and processing, including spent brine solutions transferred via closed piping systems for mineral recovery, provided they meet federal management standards and do not generate hazardous solid residuals.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
 Rebecca Bauer-KahanD Assembly Member | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Alex LeeD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Tina McKinnorD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Damon ConnollyD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Diane PapanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
- Expands exemptions for geothermal waste from state hazardous waste control regulations.
- Transfers oversight of geothermal waste management to regional water quality control boards.
- Removes time and containment restrictions previously limiting geothermal waste exemptions.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's proposal to modify California's hazardous waste control laws would expand exemptions for geothermal waste generated during energy exploration, development, and production activities. The legislation removes existing limitations that currently restrict exemptions based on containment methods and storage duration.
Under current law, geothermal waste loses its exempt status when it is no longer contained in piping systems or specified containment structures, or when it remains in lined surface impoundments beyond 18 months after the last waste deposit. The bill eliminates these containment and timeline restrictions while maintaining the basic framework that exempts non-drilling geothermal waste from hazardous waste requirements. The exemption continues to exclude hazardous materials not directly related to geothermal operations, such as used vehicle oil or machinery lubricants.
The measure preserves existing provisions that place geothermal drilling waste under the regulatory authority of California's regional water quality control boards rather than standard hazardous waste protocols. It also retains current exemptions for certain wastes from mineral extraction and processing, including spent brine solutions transferred via closed piping systems for mineral recovery, provided they meet federal management standards and do not generate hazardous solid residuals.
Rebecca Bauer-KahanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Alex LeeD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Tina McKinnorD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Damon ConnollyD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Diane PapanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |