SB 49: Renewable energy: Department of Transportation: evaluation.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of all state highways and all property and rights in property acquired for state highway purposes. Existing law authorizes the department to lease, for up to 99 years, areas above or below state highways to public or private entities, as specified. Existing law also authorizes the department to issue certain permits for a state highways right-of-way necessary for telegraph, telephone, or electrical lines or of any ditches, pipes, drains, sewers, or underground structures, unless otherwise specifically provided in the instrument conveying title.

This bill would require the department, in coordination with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and the Public Utilities Commission, to evaluate the issues and policies impeding the development of land within department-owned rights-of-way for renewable energy generation facilities, energy storage facilities, and electrical transmission and distribution facilities, as specified. The bill would require the evaluation to, among other things, consider the department owning the facilities, or leasing, granting easements, or entering into joint-use agreements with public utilities or other entities for this purpose.