• The California Assembly’s Committee on Natural Resources has approved Assembly Bill 526, authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, which would establish a statewide strategic plan to dramatically expand geothermal energy production in California. California has committed to achieving 100% carbon-free retail electricity by 2045 and reaching net-zero emissions statewide, but the state’s current reliance on solar and wind energy has limitations due to intermittency caused by weather and time-of-day constraints. Geothermal energy, by contrast, provides firm, around-the-clock power and is uniquely positioned to support the state’s long-term energy needs, according to Papan’s office.
Assembly Bill 526 will now move to the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.
• The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications voted unanimously with a 17-0 vote to approve Senate Bill 540, to establish a framework for regional energy cooperation throughout the Pacific Northwest while preserving California’s authority over key aspects of its electricity system and climate goals.
The bill contains safeguards to ensure the California Independent System Operator will continue operating these markets and ensure California retains its control over critical functions such as transmission planning, procurement and other public policies, according to the office of state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, one of the bill’s authors.
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The bill has been sent to the Judiciary Committee for a hearing April 29. Then it will head to the Appropriations Committee.
• Legislation to combat California’s homelessness crisis, Senate Bill 606, authored by state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, passed the Senate Committee on Human Services. It aims to move California toward functional zero unsheltered homelessness by requiring Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention recipients to assess and plan for the resources needed to bring all unsheltered individuals indoors.
SB 606 would require local jurisdictions to assess the shelter and housing resources necessary to bring all unsheltered people indoors; use tools like the Shelter Crisis Act to expedite housing development; and promote regional collaboration so that smaller cities contribute to solutions.
The bill will likely be heard in the Housing Committee April 29, though it has yet to be officially agendized.
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