SB 605 requires the California Energy Commission (CEC), in consultation with other state agencies pursuant to Public Resources Code, section 25996(a), to evaluate the following six areas. Further, the CEC will consult with California Native American tribes pursuant to the CEC Tribal Consultation Policy on this evaluation related to wave and tidal energy.
- Evaluate factors that may contribute to the increased use of wave and tidal energy in California.
- Provide findings on latest research about the technological and economic feasibility of deploying offshore wave and tidal energy off the coast of California in state and federal waters.
- Evaluate wave and tidal energy project potential transmission needs and permitting requirements.
- Evaluate wave and tidal energy project economic and workforce development needs.
- Identify near-term actions related to investments and workforce for wave and tidal projects, to maximize job creation and economic development, while considering affordable electric rates and bills.
- Identify a monitoring strategy to gather sufficient data to evaluate impacts to marine and tidal ecosystems and inform adaptive management.
Further, SB 605 requires the CEC to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature that summarizes the 2024 IEPR Update findings, the identification of suitable sea space, and adaptive management measures for wave and tidal energy projects to inform legislative and executive actions on the topic.
The first phase of work evaluates the six points listed above and is included in the 2024 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR), which utilizes an IEPR docket (Wave and Tidal Energy: Docket No. 24-IEPR-04). All documents and public comments specific to the 2024 IEPR are located within the IEPR docket (24-IEPR-04). This docket will close upon completion of the 2024 IEPR.
SB 605 also tasks the CEC with the identification of suitable sea space for wave and tidal technologies, identification of mitigation measures, and monitoring and adaptive management strategies. Additionally, SB 605, requires the CEC to submit a final written report to the Governor and Legislature that includes a summary of the IEPR chapter on wave and tidal energy, a summary of sea space identification and mitigation and monitoring strategies, as well as recommendations to legislature. All documents and public comments specific to this second phase of work will use the SB 605 Wave and Tidal Energy Docket No. 24-SB-605.