Renewable Energy
Senate Bill 100: The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (de León, 2018) sets ambitious targets for the electricity sector, including zero GHG emissions by 2045. As a result of Senate Bill 100 and other renewable energy requirements, investment in renewable resources such as solar, wind, energy storage, and hydropower continues to grow throughout the state.
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) provides support towards the 100 percent clean energy goal:
- Providing resources to local jurisdictions and the public to streamline renewable energy installation, such as the California Solar Permitting Guidebook and the upcoming Energy Storage Guide.
- Updating local governments on renewable energy legislation and emerging renewable energy goals, policies and actions that can be taken locally. Many of these updates can be found in the General Plan Guidelines.
- Providing guidance to federal, state, and local agencies and others regarding renewable energy projects that are subject to both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Serving as a liaison to coordinate effective inclusion of the United States Department of Defense in the development and implementation of state renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind energy.
- Supporting capacity building initiatives such as the CivicSpark Governor’s AmeriCorps Program and other research and partnerships to engage and inform on community resilience needs.
- Helping to prepare local governments for climate impacts to California’s energy system, such as those found in the State Adaptation Clearinghouse.
- Tracking financing and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects.
Information on resources for renewables and helpful links are provided below.
- Solar Permitting Guidebook (4th Edition)
- Guidebook 2020 Addendum - Addendum regarding regional notification center contact requirements
Assembly Bill 2188
Assembly Bill 2188 (Muratsuchi, 2014) requires local jurisdictions to “substantially conform” their permitting process with the recommendations set forth in OPR’s Solar Permitting Guidebook, which provides for an expedited and streamline process.
Solar Permitting Guidebook
The Solar Permitting Guidebook explains current requirements for solar PV installations, describes key steps in the permitting process, and recommends ways to improve local permitting. It also includes several template documents for local governments to customize.
Past editions:
- Solar Permitting Guidebook - 2017 (Third Edition)
- Solar Permitting Guidebook - 2015 (Second Edition)