California Air Resources Board

Requires a local air district without a specified rule on emergency backup generators, as of January 1, 2026, that adopts such a rule, to include provisions that allow the operator of a critical facility to use a permitted emergency backup generator in exceedance of the applicable runtime and testing and maintenance limits if specified conditions are met. The bill specifies that a critical facility is allowed to exceed applicable limits and provide evidence of having taken demonstrable steps toward implementing the use of backup power technologies that meet or exceed emission standards set by CARB. Was not heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

View full bill text here

Creates the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program and authorizes the Supervisor of the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) to authorize the conversion of 250 wells for use as gravity-based energy storage wells, as defined.Requires CalEPA, in consultation with entities operating these wells, CalGEM, CARB, and other specified entities, to evaluate the pilot program and make recommendations to the Legislature for a framework to implement a permanent program, as specified. The bill requires a well operator to notify CalGEM, CARB, the appropriate regional water quality board, and any schools or community members within 3,200 feet of the well in the event of a loss of mechanical integrity or a fluid leak, and requires CalGEM to consult with CARB and the State Water Resources Control board on criteria for fluid leak monitoring and reporting.

View full bill text here

Summary

Urges the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems to prioritize renewable, clean hydrogen for California, as provided.

View full bill text here

Summary

Adds hydrogen production facilities and associated onsite storage and processing facilities that do not derive hydrogen from a fossil fuel feedstock, and that receive funding from specified State or federal government sources, to be eligible for centralized permitting and expedited review under the California Environmental Quality Act.

View full bill text here

Summary

Would have required the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and CARB, in consultation with all California balancing authorities and as part of a public process, on or before January 1, 2026, and subsequently as part of the SB 100 joint report, to issue a report to the Legislature that contains a clean energy infrastructure development plan setting out the infrastructure and processes necessary for the state to accomplish the state policy of supplying 90 percent of all retail sales of electricity to California end-use customers by December 31, 2035, as specified. Held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

View full bill text here

Summary

Would have authorized the California Energy Commission to exempt from thermal powerplant certification a thermal powerplant with a generating capacity of up to 150 megawatts if it is a data center backup generator that meets a variety of physical and environmental parameters and considerations, as specified. The bill would have required that the air quality impacts of these generators be mitigated, as determined by the appropriate air district as generators would largely be high-polluting diesel generators. Remains in the Assembly Rules Committee.

View full bill text here

Summary

Replaces "mineral wool board insulation" with simply "insulation" as one of the eligible materials under the Buy Clean program administered by the Department of General Services with consultation with CARB.

View full bill text here

Summary

Would have clarified that electric water heaters and appliances can be installed outside of mobile homes and other related provisions. This bill was sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to alleviate opinions from the Department of Housing and Community Development on the installation of these appliances. Held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

View full bill text here

Summary

Would have authorized a State agency to enter into forward contracts to purchase low-carbon cement or concrete products up to 10 years in advance to facilitate the commercialization of these products. Held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

View full bill text here

Summary

Would have required the Department of Conservation (DOC), in consultation with CARB and others, to develop the Biomass Technology Transition Program to support the conversion of biomass generation facilities using traditional combustion technologies to newer advanced bioenergy technology facilities that result in reductions in the emissions of criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and greenhouse gases. Held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

View full bill text here