California Public Resources Code

§ 3190.8

PRC § 3190.8 Effective Jan 1, 2026Div. 3 · Ch. 1 · Art. 3.6

Statute text

(a)On or by January 1, 2033, the division, in consultation with entities operating gravity-based energy storage wells, the Secretary for Environmental Protection, the State Water Resources Control Board and regional water quality boards, the State Air Resources Board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, relevant local jurisdictions, environmental and environmental justice organizations, tribes, and other stakeholders, shall evaluate the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program and make recommendations to the Legislature for a framework to implement an ongoing Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program to provide for regulation of the operation of gravity-based energy storage wells as a result of the benefits determined for renewable energy sources and the storage of the energy in gravity-based energy storage wells. The recommendations shall be informed by the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program and shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1)Implications of conversion of a well to a gravity-based energy storage well for local land use authorization and applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), including designation of the appropriate lead agency.

(2)Appropriate regulatory parameters, including physical design, operating conditions, mechanical integrity, and inspection protocols, for gravity-based energy storage wells to ensure safe, leak-free operation, including, but not limited to, methane leaks and leakage to the environment, including into aquifers of beneficial use. This shall include whether the redrilling of a plugged and abandoned well may be allowed for a gravity-based energy storage well.

…

Legislative history

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 419, Sec. 1. (SB 567) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2035, pursuant to Section 3190.9.