AB 1016: Power facility and site certifications: thermal powerplants: geothermal resources.

This bill would allow the state energy resources conservation and development commission to exempt thermal powerplants from certification requirements, but only for projects that meet specific criteria. These criteria include the use of exclusively geothermal resources, a lead agency for environmental review, and compliance with workforce requirements. The exemption would be granted until January 1, 2030, and would require the local governmental agency to be the lead agency for CEQA certification. The commission would also be required to find that no substantial adverse impact on the environment or energy resources would result from the project.