California Assembly Bill AB2661

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 3/21/24
• Report Pass: 3/21/24
• Refer: 4/1/24
• Report Pass: 4/18/24
• Refer: 4/18/24
• Report Pass: 4/23/24
• Refer: 4/25/24
• Refer: 5/8/24
• Report Pass: 5/16/24
• Engrossed: 5/23/24
• Refer: 5/24/24
• Refer: 6/5/24
• Report Pass: 6/11/24
• Refer: 6/11/24
• Report Pass: 7/2/24
• Enrolled: 8/31/24
• Chaptered: 9/25/24
• Passed: 9/25/24

Caption

Electricity: Westlands Water District.

Impact

The legislation modifies existing California Water District Laws which oversee the operational capabilities of water districts, particularly affected by the merger of the West Plains Water Storage District into the Westlands Water District. By enabling solar electricity generation and associated activities, AB 2661 supports the state’s objectives for renewable energy production and climate change mitigation. Additionally, the bill mandates transparency in the district's income from these activities through required reporting, ensuring accountability in financial dealings with generated electricity.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 2661, introduced by Assemblymember Soria, aims to empower the Westlands Water District to provide, generate, and deliver solar photovoltaic electricity within its jurisdiction. The bill facilitates the district's ability to construct and maintain the necessary works, facilities, and improvements for generating this electricity, which will be primarily utilized for the district's own operations but allows for the sale of surplus electricity to other entities engaged in electricity distribution. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the district to develop energy storage systems and electric transmission lines, enhancing its operational capacity within California's energy framework.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around AB 2661 appears positive, particularly among proponents who recognize the value of increasing renewable energy capacity and boosting local economies via job creation and community engagement. However, some concerns may arise regarding the management of community benefits associated with such projects, as the bill emphasizes a community benefits agreement plan that aims to provide local communities with meaningful opportunities related to the new electric infrastructure, potentially drawing scrutiny from those advocating for more rigorous oversight.

Contention

A notable point of contention lies in balancing the interests of local communities with the operational goals of the Westlands Water District. Some critics may argue that while the bill promises local benefits such as job training programs and financial contributions to community development, it is essential to monitor the actual implementation of these agreements and the extent to which local entities are truly involved in and benefit from new initiatives around solar energy. The bill also delineates that the Westlands Water District shall not retail electricity, focusing its objectives on generation and community support instead.