Chapter 14Offshore Wind Generation
Section § 25991
This law requires the creation of a strategic plan for developing offshore wind energy off California's coast, involving various state and federal agencies. The plan must not delay ongoing efforts but should be coordinated and submitted by June 30, 2023. Key components include identifying sea and port spaces, economic and workforce development, transmission planning, permitting, and assessing impacts on coastal resources and indigenous communities. It prioritizes immediate actions like port upgrades and workforce accommodation, ensuring these developments complement existing local industries. Consultation with labor organizations and public feedback are essential parts of the process.
Section § 25991.1
This law requires a commission to evaluate and plan for the maximum capacity of offshore wind energy in California by June 1, 2022, aiming for certain megawatt goals by 2030 and 2045. The commission must consider factors like the creation of jobs, decarbonization benefits, and energy reliability. They also need to look at previous reports and assess the need for a skilled workforce, supply chain opportunities, and the development of infrastructure and cost efficiencies. In addition, the commission must consider federal incentives, California's wind potential, and impacts on the environment, indigenous peoples, and national defense.
Section § 25991.10
This law is temporary and will be canceled on January 1, 2031. It means that, after this date, the rules in this chapter will no longer apply or be in effect.
Section § 25991.2
This section details how the commission is to work collaboratively to find suitable areas for offshore wind energy in federal waters. They should work with state, federal, and local bodies, plus the wind industry, to initially identify spaces based on a previous federal call and consider future needs. Suitable spaces must be chosen based on data about wind resources, necessary infrastructure, and protecting cultural and biological resources.
The commission should use public websites to share information and make recommendations to reduce environmental impacts while meeting California's renewable energy goals. However, this does not affect existing agency authority over specific project permits. Findings from these efforts should be part of a strategic plan.
Section § 25991.3
This law section mandates the development of a plan to enhance waterfront facilities for supporting floating offshore wind energy activities in California. The plan will be created by the commission in collaboration with the state and local agencies. It aims to improve facilities for constructing, staging, manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining offshore wind components.
The plan must assess necessary investments in seaports, examine workforce development needs, ensure safety and training standards, and set workforce standards like prevailing wages and local hiring. Funding allocation and impacts on natural resources must also be considered. Representatives from labor organizations and apprenticeship programs should be consulted. A preliminary assessment of economic benefits should be completed by December 31, 2022, with findings included in a broader strategic plan.
Section § 25991.4
This law requires a commission to assess the necessary investments and upgrades for transmission systems to meet California's offshore wind power goals by 2030 and 2045. This involves evaluating both the costs and benefits of subsea high-voltage transmission and existing infrastructure. The findings from this assessment must be included in a specific section of a strategic plan focused on transmission planning.
Section § 25991.5
This section mandates that a commission create a detailed plan, called a permitting roadmap, for the approval process of offshore wind energy projects in California. The commission must collaborate with various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as tribes and stakeholders, to ensure a smooth and coordinated process.
The roadmap should define the roles of all involved parties, set clear timeframes, and coordinate different environmental reviews at state and federal levels. It also requires public input and suggestions during its development and communication phases.
Finally, the commission must submit the finalized roadmap by the end of 2022 to the state's Natural Resources Agency and legislative committees.
Section § 25991.6
This law defines 'stakeholders' for the chapter as including a diverse group of people and organizations, such as those from the fishing industry, labor unions, environmental justice and environmental organizations, as well as various other users of ocean resources.
Section § 25991.7
This law section clarifies that it does not establish any reserved portion or requirement for specific types of renewable energy technologies.
Section § 25991.8
This law requires the commission to create a detailed plan for preparing California seaports to support offshore wind energy projects. This includes identifying suitable port locations along the Central and North Coast and prioritizing sites that can be controlled by state agencies within five years.
The plan should focus on maximizing port capacity for in-state wind turbine assembly and minimizing impacts on natural resources and communities. The commission is also tasked with promoting workforce opportunities, especially for low-income and environmentally impacted communities, and ensuring investments in necessary infrastructure.
Additionally, the commission must involve tribal governments and various stakeholders like environmental groups, labor unions, and maritime industries to develop criteria that address environmental justice and economic benefits. The commission must also explore funding strategies, potentially utilizing federal funding, for the required port developments.
Section § 25991.9
This law requires the commission, with input from the California Workforce Development Board, to study how feasible it is to build and assemble offshore wind energy projects within California, aiming for 50% and 65% local production. The study must address current capabilities, identify workforce and supply chain gaps, and suggest necessary investments and potential funding sources. The impacts on jobs, the economy, and costs must also be evaluated. The law also directs collaboration with diverse groups and recommends supporting the development of an inclusive, sustainable workforce. A report detailing findings and recommendations is due to the Governor and Legislature by the end of 2027.