Senate Bill 605 (SB 605, Padilla, Chapter 405, Statutes of 2023) directs the California Energy Commission to evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of using wave energy and tidal energy as forms of clean energy in California. Additionally, SB 605 directs the CEC to identify suitable sea space for offshore wave and tidal energy projects in state and federal waters. This work is to be done in coordination and consultation with the California Coastal Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Ocean Protection Council, and the State Lands Commission. Additional outreach on this work includes other state and local agencies, California Native American tribes, the offshore wave energy and tidal energy industry, the commercial and recreational fishing communities, nongovernmental organizations, and other interested parties.
The evaluation of the feasibility, costs, and benefits of wave and tidal energy was discussed in a consultant report published in November 2024 and summarized in the 2024 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update, adopted on October 8, 2025. The sea space analysis for wave and tidal energy in California was discussed in a consultant report published in July 2025. This report includes summaries of the past SB 605 reports and additionally includes considerations that may inform legislative and executive actions to facilitate the development of technologically and economically feasible wave and tidal energy technologies, infrastructure, and facilities in California.
