Existing law establishes the California Environmental Protection Agency to enhance the state’s protection of the environment.

Existing law provides state goals for the installation of solar energy systems through, among other programs, the California Solar Initiative.

This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2029, and upon appropriation by the Legislature, the agency to complete a study on the impacts of large-scale solar on land use planning, the environment, and the economy of the central valley region. The bill would require the agency, in conducting the study, to consult interested parties, as specified. The bill would require the study to include an analysis of the impacts of large-scale solar on regional land use planning, the regional environment, and the regional economy. The bill would require the study to include recommendations on how to mitigate impacts of large-scale solar through changes to existing or the adoption of new state, regional, and local policy, as provided.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the central valley region.