CA AB1359

Removes the 135-day deadline requirement for counties to complete environmental review responsibilities for geothermal exploratory projects delegated by the Geologic Energy Management Division.

Allows applicants of geothermal exploratory projects to request that their county become the lead agency under CEQA, regardless of whether the county has adopted a geothermal element in its general plan.

Requires the applicant to submit the lead agency assumption request to both the county and the Division of Geologic Energy Management.

Mandates that the county and division confer regarding necessary environmental review information to support the division's role as a responsible agency if a county assumes lead agency responsibility.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to accelerate geothermal energy deployment toward the state's climate goals.