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. Existing law authorizes a person proposing an energy storage system to file an application for certification with the commission in lieu of any permit, certificate, or similar document required by any state, local, or regional agency, or federal agency, as provided.
This bill would require that those applications also contain emergency response and action plans, to be paid for by the applicant, that incorporate 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 applications for an energy storage system also contain emergency response and action plans, to be paid for by the applicant, and that the plans include, as applicable, analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facilities require supplemental first responder capabilities and meet the National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified.

Statutes affected:
AB 615: 25520 PRC
02/13/25 - Introduced: 25520 PRC
04/22/25 - Amended Assembly: 25520 PRC
05/05/25 - Amended Assembly: 25520 PRC