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Lawmakers debate narrow CEQA exemption for exploratory geothermal wells in California
Summary
Assemblymember introduced AB 527 to exempt limited exploratory geothermal wells from CEQA review; supporters said exemption would speed development of clean base‑load power, opponents urged tighter limits and protections for waterways and cultural resources. The committee approved the bill as amended and left it on call for absent members.
Assemblymember Papan on behalf of the bill’s author told the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee that AB 527 would “spur geothermal energy development in California and secure our clean energy future.” The bill would create a narrow California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for exploratory geothermal wells that meet specified environmental safeguards, the author said.
Supporters, including Myles Horton of Sonoma Clean Power and labor representatives, said exploratory wells are low‑impact, temporary and necessary to determine whether geothermal resources exist before full project development. Horton said Sonoma Clean Power serves “about 90% clean energy today” but still relies on natural gas “when there’s no sun, no wind, and batteries are empty or depleted.” He argued AB 527 would align California with a federal NEPA exemption and reduce the deterrent effect created when developers must undergo separate environmental reviews for exploration and then for large‑scale development.
Opponents asked the committee to tighten the bill.…
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