Papan Bill to Streamline Geothermal Energy Production

Sacramento, CA – In a significant move to advance California's renewable energy goals, the California State Legislature has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1359, authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan. This bill will streamline the development of geothermal energy projects by changing outdated provisions that have hindered geothermal exploration.

Under current law, the drilling of exploratory wells for geothermal projects is treated as a separate project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) designated as the lead agency. However, due to CalGEM's resource constraints and backlog, geothermal exploration projects have faced multi-year delays, stalling the development of advanced geothermal power across the state.

"Geothermal energy is a critical component of California's strategy to eliminate fossil fuels and mitigate climate change,” said Assemblymember Papan. “By modernizing the regulatory framework, AB 1359 will help unlock the full potential of geothermal energy, providing a constant, reliable source of clean power that complements other renewable sources like wind and solar."

AB 1359 addresses this issue by allowing applicants for projects to request that a county in which a project is located act as the lead agency for CEQA review in lieu of CalGEM. By allowing counties to assume this role, this aligns geothermal exploration with the CEQA process for other renewable energy projects. This change will enable geothermal developers to proceed more efficiently, facilitating the exploration and development of geothermal resources essential for California's clean energy future.

Geothermal energy offers unique advantages as a renewable resource, providing baseload power that is available 24/7, unlike intermittent sources such as wind and solar. The ability to generate consistent energy makes geothermal a key player in the transition away from fossil fuels, especially in regions where other renewables may be less effective.

"Advanced geothermal technologies can provide the reliability we need to phase out natural gas power plants that have outlived their usefulness and are increasingly costly to maintain," said Papan. "AB 1359 paves the way for geothermal to step up as a clean, renewable solution that can meet our energy needs around the clock, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and helping to protect our planet."

The bill now heads to Governor’s desk for signature. Once signed into law, AB 1359 will remove a major barrier to geothermal energy development, positioning California as a leader in the deployment of advanced geothermal technologies and the broader transition to a sustainable energy future.

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