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SB-604 Electricity: transmission and distribution infrastructure: assessment.(2023-2024)

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Date Published: 03/20/2023 02:00 PM
SB604:v98#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Senate  March 20, 2023

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 604


Introduced by Senator Wilk

February 15, 2023


An act to amend Section 25331 of add Section 25229.5 to the Public Resources Code, relating to electricity.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 604, as amended, Wilk. Electricity: transmission corridor zones. transmission and distribution infrastructure: assessment.
Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, the Independent System Operator, transmission owners, users, and consumers, to adopt a strategic plan for the state’s electrical transmission grid, as provided.
This bill would require the Energy Commission, working with the State Air Resources Board and the Public Utilities Commission, to prepare a statewide assessment of the supply needs for transmission and distribution infrastructure and equipment that is necessary to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, as specified. The bill would require the commission to update the assessment at least once every 3 years, and to submit the assessment to the Legislature on or before January 1, 2025, and on or before January 1 every 3 years thereafter.

Existing law authorizes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to designate a transmission corridor zone on its own motion or by application of a person who plans to construct a high‑voltage electrical transmission line within the state. Under existing law, designating a transmission corridor zone serves to identify a feasible corridor where future high-voltage electrical transmission lines can be built that are consistent with the state’s needs and objectives as set forth in the strategic plan for the state’s electric transmission grid adopted by the commission.

This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to that provision.

Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: NOYES   Local Program: NO  

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


SECTION 1.

 (a) The Legislature finds and declares that accelerating the energy transition requires a steady supply of transmission and distribution infrastructure and equipment. Procurement of electric system equipment is increasing in California as the state readies the electrical grid for carbon neutrality. The supply of these components can be, and has been, imperiled by recent global supply chain constraints.
(b) It is the policy of the state and the intent of the Legislature to encourage the manufacturing of electrical system equipment in California as a means to achieve the state’s climate goals and bring the economic benefits of manufacturing this equipment to California.

SEC. 2.

 Section 25229.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:

25229.5.
 (a) The commission, working with the State Air Resources Board and the Public Utilities Commission, shall prepare a statewide assessment of the supply needs for transmission and distribution infrastructure and equipment that is necessary to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
(b) The assessment shall identify opportunities and existing barriers to bring the manufacturing of transmission and distribution infrastructure and equipment to California, and recommendations on how to overcome any barriers identified.
(c) (1) The commission shall update the assessment at least once every three years.
(2) On or before January 1, 2025, and on or before January 1 every three years thereafter, the commission shall submit the assessment to the Legislature pursuant to Section 9795 of the Government Code.

SECTION 1.Section 25331 of the Public Resources Code is amended to read:
25331.

(a)The commission may designate a transmission corridor zone on its own motion or by application of a person who plans to construct a high-voltage electrical transmission line within the state. The designation of a transmission corridor zone shall serve to identify a feasible corridor where one or more future high-voltage electrical transmission lines can be built that are consistent with the state’s needs and objectives as set forth in the strategic plan adopted pursuant to Section 25324.

(b)A person planning to construct a high-voltage electrical transmission line may submit to the commission an application to designate a proposed transmission corridor zone as being consistent with the strategic plan adopted pursuant to Section 25324. The application shall be in the form prescribed by the commission and shall be supported by any information that the commission may require.