Contested bill would set tight timelines for CalGEM completeness and permit decisions
AB 27 11 would require the Geologic Energy Management Division to determine completeness of Notices of Intent within 10 working days and approve or deny complete applications within 30 working days. Supporters said it restores predictability; opponents warned it could rush reviews and harm environmental justice communities.
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Assemblymember Ellis introduced AB 27 11 as a procedural reform to produce predictable timelines for drilling permit reviews by CalGEM (the Division of Geologic and Energy Management). Industry advocates described the measure as restoring predictability statewide, while environmental justice groups and air‑quality advocates said automatic timelines could harm edge cases that need longer review for setbacks, geologic safety and public‑health issues.
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