AB 1612 Summary

• Requests California Council on Science and Technology to study biomethane heating value and siloxane specifications for pipeline injection; requires gas corporations to fund study costs, with PUC to reevaluate standards within 6 months of completion.

• Increases self-generation incentive program annual collection cap to double the 2008 authorization amount through December 31, 2019, and extends fuel cell net metering program eligibility deadline to December 31, 2021 with increased capacity limits to 5 megawatts per facility.

• Extends Green Tariff Shared Renewables Program indefinitely and establishes interconnection requirements for bioenergy projects; requires skilled workforce commitments for energy retrofit projects through January 1, 2020.

• Requires State Fire Marshal to submit annual reports on pipeline inspection activities and automatic shutoff system installations through January 31, 2021, and defines "oil" for pipeline safety regulations to include petroleum products, anhydrous ammonia, and ethanol.

• Authorizes use of oil and gas well operating fees for State Air Resources Board and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment activities related to air quality and public health; appropriates $275,000 for appliance efficiency standards enforcement.