| 1 | 1 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 615Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 13, 2025 An act to amend Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code, relating to energy. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 615, as introduced, Davies. Power facilities: emergency response and action plan.Existing law requires an application to be filed with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission for certification of a site and related facility which includes an electric transmission line or thermal powerplant, or both. Existing law requires the application to contain, among other things, safety and reliability information, including planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns, as specified.This bill would require the application to also contain an emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency and that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. The bill would require that the plan include analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified. The bill would require the plan to be paid for by the applicant.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 3 | 3 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 615Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 13, 2025 An act to amend Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code, relating to energy. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 615, as introduced, Davies. Power facilities: emergency response and action plan.Existing law requires an application to be filed with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission for certification of a site and related facility which includes an electric transmission line or thermal powerplant, or both. Existing law requires the application to contain, among other things, safety and reliability information, including planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns, as specified.This bill would require the application to also contain an emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency and that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. The bill would require that the plan include analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified. The bill would require the plan to be paid for by the applicant.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO |
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| 9 | 9 | | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION |
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| 11 | 11 | | Assembly Bill |
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| 13 | 13 | | No. 615 |
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| 15 | 15 | | Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 13, 2025 |
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| 17 | 17 | | Introduced by Assembly Member Davies |
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| 18 | 18 | | February 13, 2025 |
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| 19 | 19 | | |
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| 20 | 20 | | An act to amend Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code, relating to energy. |
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| 21 | 21 | | |
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| 22 | 22 | | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST |
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| 24 | 24 | | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST |
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| 25 | 25 | | |
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| 26 | 26 | | AB 615, as introduced, Davies. Power facilities: emergency response and action plan. |
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| 27 | 27 | | |
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| 28 | 28 | | Existing law requires an application to be filed with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission for certification of a site and related facility which includes an electric transmission line or thermal powerplant, or both. Existing law requires the application to contain, among other things, safety and reliability information, including planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns, as specified.This bill would require the application to also contain an emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency and that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. The bill would require that the plan include analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified. The bill would require the plan to be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 30 | 30 | | Existing law requires an application to be filed with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission for certification of a site and related facility which includes an electric transmission line or thermal powerplant, or both. Existing law requires the application to contain, among other things, safety and reliability information, including planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns, as specified. |
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| 32 | 32 | | This bill would require the application to also contain an emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency and that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. The bill would require that the plan include analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified. The bill would require the plan to be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 34 | 34 | | ## Digest Key |
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| 36 | 36 | | ## Bill Text |
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| 38 | 38 | | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 40 | 40 | | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: |
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| 42 | 42 | | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: |
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| 44 | 44 | | SECTION 1. Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 46 | 46 | | SECTION 1. Section 25520 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read: |
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| 48 | 48 | | ### SECTION 1. |
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| 50 | 50 | | 25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 52 | 52 | | 25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 54 | 54 | | 25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require:(a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility.(b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns.(c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed.(d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify.(e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour.(f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following:(1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line.(2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route.(3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values.(g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies.(2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility.(3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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| 58 | 58 | | 25520. The application shall contain all of the following information and any other information that the commission by regulation may require: |
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| 60 | 60 | | (a) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facility. |
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| 62 | 62 | | (b) Safety and reliability information, including, in addition to documentation previously provided pursuant to Section 25511, planned provisions for emergency operations and shutdowns. |
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| 64 | 64 | | (c) Available site information, including maps and descriptions of present and proposed development and, as appropriate, geological, aesthetic, ecological, seismic, water supply, population, and load center data, and justification for the particular site proposed. |
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| 66 | 66 | | (d) Any other information relating to the design, operation, and siting of the facility that the commission may specify. |
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| 68 | 68 | | (e) A description of the facility, the cost of the facility, the fuel to be used, the source of fuel, fuel cost, plant service life and capacity factor, and generating cost per kilowatthour. |
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| 70 | 70 | | (f) A description of any electric transmission lines, including the all of the following: |
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| 72 | 72 | | (1) The estimated cost of the proposed electric transmission line; a line. |
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| 74 | 74 | | (2) A map in suitable scale of the proposed routing showing details of the rights-of-way in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, and scenic areas, and existing transmission lines within one mile of the proposed route; justification route. |
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| 76 | 76 | | (3) Justification for the route, and a preliminary description of the effect of the proposed electric transmission line on the environment, ecology, and scenic, historic, and recreational values. |
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| 78 | 78 | | (g) (1) An emergency response and action plan that incorporates impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency, that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. |
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| 80 | 80 | | (2) The emergency response and action plan shall include analysis and feedback from a local emergency management agency regarding whether the proposed facility requires supplemental first responder capabilities and meets National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks. The local emergency management agencys feedback may include analysis of whether greater setbacks would be recommended for the proposed facility. |
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| 82 | 82 | | (3) The emergency response and action plan shall be paid for by the applicant. |
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