Prior to 1975, industrial users and utilities were required to go through a multi-year process to obtain permits from numerous federal, state and local agencies before constructing new power facilities. The Legislature revised this process in 1975 and established a comprehensive siting process for new energy facilities at the California Energy Commission. The Legislature gave the Commission the statutory authority to license thermal power plants of 50 megawatts or greater and related transmission lines, fuel supply lines, and related facilities.

The purpose of the Systems Assessment and Facilities Siting Division is to ensure that needed energy facilities are authorized according to this process in an expeditious, safe and environmentally acceptable manner. In addition, the division prepares all environmental documentation for the Commission as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). To attain its objectives, the division maintains a staff of experts in more than 20 environmental and engineering disciplines. The division's range of technical expertise allows it to perform balanced, totally independent evaluations of complex and controversial projects.

The division is organized into five offices and one unit:

• Administration and Special Projects Office
• Compliance Office
• Engineering Office
• Environmental Protection Office
• Power Plant Siting (Licensing) Office
• Docket Unit

No Siting Division Meetings at this time.

Note: Meetings for specific power plants licensing cases are located on that specific plant's webpage. Go to: www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/all_projects.html for a list of current projects before the Commission.

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