Please read the latest story on Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s efforts to eliminate regulatory barriers to geothermal energy production and lithium extraction in Imperial County:
Legislation Aims to Streamline Geothermal, Lithium Development
Calexico Chronicle
Eric Everwine
April 23, 2025
Two pieces of state legislation introduced by District 36Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez seek to remove regulatory hurdles for geothermal energy production and lithium extraction in Imperial County, offering what local officials describe as a critical boost for the region’s role in California’s clean energy future.
During a virtual town hall on Friday, April 18, Gonzalez highlighted Assembly Bills 1016 and 1031 as part of his legislative efforts to support economic development tied to the growing Lithium Valley industry.
“AB 1016 and AB 1031, these are specific to lithium in Imperial County,” Gonzalez said. “It’s gonna be very good when lithium comes through. First, it’s gotta be responsible, but it’s gonna be very good when lithium comes through because it brings jobs, it brings industry, it brings development, it brings a lot of things to the region. And we want to make sure our folks are working and are working for a long time.”
The two bills — both introduced on Feb. 20 — focus on distinct but related aspects of geothermal development. AB 1016 would expand local permitting authority for geothermal power plants, while AB 1031 addresses hazardous waste regulations that industry leaders argue place unnecessary financial burdens on geothermal operations.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, April 15, to formally sponsor both bills, citing their potential to accelerate clean energy projects and attract investment to the region…
The board unanimously approved a letter of support for AB 1016, which describes the bill as a “targeted and responsible reform” to California’s permitting process.
“Assembly Bill 1016 proposes a targeted and responsible reform to California’s permitting process for geothermal thermal power plants by expanding local authority, streamlining approvals, and maintaining rigorous environmental oversight,” the letter states. “The bill raises the local permitting threshold from 50 MW to 150 MW for counties that have adopted a geothermal element in their General Plan, recognizing the evolving scale and urgency of California’s clean energy needs…”
The letter warns that without legislative action, California risks stalling progress in both clean energy production and domestic lithium supply chain development…
“AB 1031 strikes a balance between environmental protection and economic opportunity in California’s transition to a clean energy future,” the letter states.
Gonzalez, who represents the 36th Assembly District, including Imperial County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, has positioned himself as a proponent of bipartisan, action-focused legislation.
“We have enough people trying to divide us,” Gonzalez said during the town hall. “My job is to unite us and to give you information and to fight for you.”
To read the full story, click HERE.
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