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AB 531 would add geothermal to California’s one‑stop permitting program; supporters say it fills a firm‑power gap, rural counties warn over local control
Summary
Assemblymember Rogers’ AB 531 would let geothermal projects use the California Energy Commission’s expedited permitting (AB 205) process to speed development of firm renewable energy. Supporters said geothermal provides 24/7 renewable power needed for grid reliability; rural counties and some supervisors worry it dilutes local land‑use authority.
Assemblymember Lauren Rogers presented AB 531 to expand the state’s existing expedited permitting (AB 205) one‑stop shop to include geothermal projects below a specified size, arguing geothermal delivers reliable ‘‘clean firm’’ power needed to stabilize evening and winter demand.
‘‘Geothermal helps to plug that gap,’’ Rogers said, adding that Sonoma and Lake counties have demonstration projects and workforce…
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