CA AB960

Authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to design and implement mitigation actions for wind and geothermal powerplants in the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan planning area, in addition to existing solar thermal and photovoltaic powerplants.

Eliminates requirements that renewable energy projects meet specific criteria including Energy Commission completion of certification applications by February 1, 2010, and developer qualification for federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

Expands the Renewable Energy Resources Development Fee Trust Fund to include wind and geothermal powerplants as eligible projects, allowing developers to voluntarily deposit fees to complete mitigation actions instead of implementing direct mitigation measures.

Establishes a $10 million loan from the Renewable Resource Trust Fund to the Development Fee Trust Fund, to be repaid by December 31, 2012, for advance purchase of mitigation lands and conservation easements.

Allows qualified applicants for geothermal powerplants (in addition to solar thermal powerplants) to elect to pay additional fees for the Energy Commission to contract with third parties to perform certification analysis.