California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2929 Latest Draft

Bill / Amended Version Filed 03/24/2022

                            Amended IN  Assembly  March 24, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2929Introduced by Assembly Member Eduardo GarciaFebruary 18, 2022 An act to add Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, relating to public resources. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2929, as amended, Eduardo Garcia. Lithium extraction. production: report.Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Existing law requires, on or before March 1, 2021, the commission to establish, as provided, and convene the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Blue Ribbon Commission), with specified members appointed as prescribed. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to review, investigate, and analyze certain issues and potential incentives, as described, regarding lithium extraction and use in California, and to consult, if feasible, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy in performing these tasks. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to submit, on or before October 1, 2022, a report to the Legislature documenting its findings and recommendations, as specified.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.This bill would require the Legislative Analysts Office to annually report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY  Appropriation: NO  Fiscal Committee: NOYES  Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) is added to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, to read: CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.SECTION 1.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)California has abundant untapped lithium reserves, including in geothermal brine more than a mile underground near the Salton Sea.(b)The state is poised to become a global leader in the deployment of new, environmentally sound technologies that can coproduce lithium with renewable electricity from geothermal power plants in the Imperial Valley.(c)Experts estimate the region could satisfy more than one-third of todays global lithium demand.(d)Building out a world-class battery manufacturing ecosystem in tandem with lithium production and processing would also increase economic opportunity in the Salton Sea region, delivering quality jobs and community benefits to the region. SEC. 2.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.

 Amended IN  Assembly  March 24, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2929Introduced by Assembly Member Eduardo GarciaFebruary 18, 2022 An act to add Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, relating to public resources. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2929, as amended, Eduardo Garcia. Lithium extraction. production: report.Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Existing law requires, on or before March 1, 2021, the commission to establish, as provided, and convene the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Blue Ribbon Commission), with specified members appointed as prescribed. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to review, investigate, and analyze certain issues and potential incentives, as described, regarding lithium extraction and use in California, and to consult, if feasible, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy in performing these tasks. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to submit, on or before October 1, 2022, a report to the Legislature documenting its findings and recommendations, as specified.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.This bill would require the Legislative Analysts Office to annually report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY  Appropriation: NO  Fiscal Committee: NOYES  Local Program: NO 

 Amended IN  Assembly  March 24, 2022

Amended IN  Assembly  March 24, 2022

 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION

 Assembly Bill 

No. 2929

Introduced by Assembly Member Eduardo GarciaFebruary 18, 2022

Introduced by Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia
February 18, 2022

 An act to add Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, relating to public resources. 

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2929, as amended, Eduardo Garcia. Lithium extraction. production: report.

Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Existing law requires, on or before March 1, 2021, the commission to establish, as provided, and convene the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Blue Ribbon Commission), with specified members appointed as prescribed. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to review, investigate, and analyze certain issues and potential incentives, as described, regarding lithium extraction and use in California, and to consult, if feasible, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy in performing these tasks. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to submit, on or before October 1, 2022, a report to the Legislature documenting its findings and recommendations, as specified.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.This bill would require the Legislative Analysts Office to annually report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.

Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Existing law requires, on or before March 1, 2021, the commission to establish, as provided, and convene the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Blue Ribbon Commission), with specified members appointed as prescribed. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to review, investigate, and analyze certain issues and potential incentives, as described, regarding lithium extraction and use in California, and to consult, if feasible, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy in performing these tasks. Existing law requires the Blue Ribbon Commission to submit, on or before October 1, 2022, a report to the Legislature documenting its findings and recommendations, as specified.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.



This bill would require the Legislative Analysts Office to annually report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.

## Digest Key

## Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) is added to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, to read: CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.SECTION 1.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)California has abundant untapped lithium reserves, including in geothermal brine more than a mile underground near the Salton Sea.(b)The state is poised to become a global leader in the deployment of new, environmentally sound technologies that can coproduce lithium with renewable electricity from geothermal power plants in the Imperial Valley.(c)Experts estimate the region could satisfy more than one-third of todays global lithium demand.(d)Building out a world-class battery manufacturing ecosystem in tandem with lithium production and processing would also increase economic opportunity in the Salton Sea region, delivering quality jobs and community benefits to the region. SEC. 2.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) is added to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, to read: CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.

SECTION 1. Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 25992) is added to Division 15 of the Public Resources Code, to read:

### SECTION 1.

 CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.

 CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.

 CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley

 CHAPTER 15. Lithium Valley

25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.



25992. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) As California transitions to a decarbonized economy, the states heavy reliance on importing lithium from foreign countries robs the state of the opportunity to pair climate change and transportation goals with the creation of high-quality, green jobs.

(b) With ambitious goals to meet, and the majority of automakers producing electric vehicles by 2035, the demand for lithium is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.

(c) According to industry experts, the Salton Sea geothermal resource area, known as Lithium Valley, can potentially satisfy more than one-third of global lithium demand.

25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.



25992.1. Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Legislative Analysts Office shall annually submit, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, a report to the Legislature on the health, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of producing lithium from geothermal brines located in the County of Imperial in an area near the Salton Sea commonly referred to as Lithium Valley.



The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:



(a)California has abundant untapped lithium reserves, including in geothermal brine more than a mile underground near the Salton Sea.



(b)The state is poised to become a global leader in the deployment of new, environmentally sound technologies that can coproduce lithium with renewable electricity from geothermal power plants in the Imperial Valley.



(c)Experts estimate the region could satisfy more than one-third of todays global lithium demand.



(d)Building out a world-class battery manufacturing ecosystem in tandem with lithium production and processing would also increase economic opportunity in the Salton Sea region, delivering quality jobs and community benefits to the region. 





It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a model for new state revenues from lithium extraction to benefit Californians.