Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) introduced AB 615, legislation that would require any applicant submitting an application to the California Energy Commission for the development of an energy storage facility, to submit an emergency response plan with the initial application.
“Community safety and first responder capabilities should be at the forefront of any decision California makes when it comes to approving and constructing energy storage facilities,” Davies said.
“The recent fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant showed us how important it is to have emergency action plans ready to go. Existing regulations only require plans be developed once the facility is up and running. That’s not good enough,” continued Davies.
“AB 615 is a common-sense public safety measure to mandate that not only shall an emergency action plan be submitted with the initial application for the development of a facility, but they also must work with local first responder agencies to receive feedback on if the proposed site is in a safe area. This information will be vital for the approving state agencies to decide if the project should move forward or not,” stated Davies.
Under current law, energy storage facilities, such as Moss Landing, must work with local emergency response agencies to develop emergency action plans in the case of a disaster. For upcoming projects, it should be required that more first responder agencies have a seat at the table during the initial application process to advise the approving state agencies, including the CEC and CPUC. Having first responders give the regulatory agencies this feedback will provide an essential safety assurance for the surrounding community.
AB 615 comes on the heels of a proposed battery storage facility in the Assemblywoman’s district that she is opposed to as a result of the public safety fears related to its proximity to neighborhoods and vegetation sites.
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes the communities of southern Orange County, including Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano plus the communities of northern San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista.
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