AB 527: California Environmental Quality Act: geothermal exploratory projects: geothermal field development projects: enhanced geothermal system wells.

This bill aims to amend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to include geothermal exploratory projects, which are projects composed of not more than 6 wells and associated drilling and testing equipment to evaluate the presence and characteristics of geothermal resources. The bill would exempt these projects from CEQA if they meet certain conditions and are led by the county or the Geologic Energy Management Division. The exemption would require the project developer to conduct a reconnaissance survey, file a notice with the lead agency, and engage in a scoping consultation with California Native American tribes. The bill would also require geothermal field development projects to use a baseline for CEQA review that reflects the site before the geothermal exploratory project occurred. Additionally, the bill would require operators of enhanced geothermal system wells to provi…