Once-through cooling policy: extension.
The core provision of AB 2071 prohibits the state board from granting additional time beyond January 1, 2021, for powerplant operators to comply with the once-through cooling policy, provided specific conditions are met. In particular, this affects any powerplants situated on sites that harbor existing coastal wetlands, especially those for which local agencies or organizations have secured funding for environmental restoration or park development. This legislative measure is expected to foster stricter compliance on behalf of powerplant operators, thus enhancing the state's efforts in marine conservation.
Assembly Bill 2071, introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi, focuses on the regulation of coastal powerplants and their compliance with the once-through cooling policy. This policy is integral to California's environmental framework, aimed at protecting the coastal marine environment by minimizing the intake and mortality of marine life during industrial processes that utilize seawater. The bill is positioned within existing legislation governed by the State Water Resources Control Board and emphasizes the necessity of adherence to water quality standards as mandated by the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and the federal Clean Water Act.
While proponents of the bill argue that it enhances protections for marine ecosystems by ensuring timely compliance with cooling regulations, critics may contend that it could impose undue burdens on powerplant operations. This concern hinges on the economic implications for energy producers who must adapt to stringent environmental standards. The discussions surrounding the bill reflect a broader tension between environmental conservation and industrial efficiency, with stakeholders on both sides voicing significant opinions on the impacts of the projected regulations.