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Committee advances bill letting local governments permit larger geothermal plants through 2030
Summary
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee voted to pass as amended AB 1016, authored by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales, to expand the generating capacity of geothermal plants eligible for local-level permitting until 2030; the measure was sent to the Appropriations Committee.
At a hearing of the California State Assembly Natural Resources Committee, members voted to pass as amended AB 1016, by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales, sending the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The motion was recorded as passing with 14 ayes; the roll was left open for additional votes.
AB 1016 would increase the generating capacity threshold for geothermal power plants that may be permitted at the local level only until 2030, allowing certain counties that have planned for geothermal development to certify projects without state-level permitting. Gonzales said the change would empower local governments that have invested in planning and community engagement to oversee clean-energy development closer to affected communities.
Gonzales told the committee that the bill is intended as a pilot and that he was accepting all committee amendments. "AB 1016 will increase the generating capacity of geothermal power plants that are eligible to be permitted at the local level only until 2030," Gonzales said. He framed the measure as a potential economic stimulus for Imperial County, which he described as having the state's highest unemployment rate.
Speakers from Imperial County emphasized local experience in permitting geothermal projects and the potential fiscal benefits. Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelly said the county has more than 40 years of permitting experience up to 49 megawatts and urged support for expanding that to 50 megawatts. Barry Bean, deputy CEO of natural resources for Imperial County, said three proposed geothermal projects would have yielded substantial property-tax revenue for local schools and districts and that job creation mattered in a county he described as economically challenged.
Supporters at the hearing included representatives of the building trades and the Independent Energy Producers Association. Mike Monaghan, speaking for the State Building Trades, said the trades had removed their opposition and voiced support for career opportunities the projects could create. Delilah Clay said the Independent Energy Producers Association strongly supported the measure.
Committee discussion included confirmation that the author would continue working with the building trades on amendment language related to generating capacity between proposed thresholds. Committee members moved and seconded the motion to pass the bill as amended to appropriations; the clerk recorded votes in favor, and later a tally was reported as 14 ayes as members continued to sign the roll.
The bill text and specific amendments were discussed at length with committee staff and stakeholders during the hearing; Gonzales characterized the measure as a collaborative effort among the author, staff, trades and county officials. The committee did not adopt final statutory language on the record at the hearing; the measure proceeds to Appropriations for further review.
Votes at a glance: Motion to pass AB 1016 as amended to Appropriations — recorded as passed; roll later reported as 14 ayes. No recorded no votes or abstentions were announced on the final roll call during the hearing.
