CA AB1255

Amends Public Resources Code Section 25619 to expand the Energy Commission's $7 million grant program for counties to develop renewable energy policies, zoning ordinances, and natural community conservation plans.

Adds San Luis Obispo County to the list of 14 qualified counties eligible to receive grants for renewable energy resource development and permitting.

Allows counties in the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan planning area to receive grants if they either are designated "plan participants" or enter into a memorandum of understanding to participate in natural community conservation plan development.

Requires general plan elements or zoning ordinances funded by grants to be completed within two years and be consistent with applicable natural community conservation plans.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to expedite local government siting of renewable energy projects in environmentally appropriate locations.