CA SB286

Require the California Coastal Commission to process consolidated coastal development permits for offshore wind energy projects and transmission facilities, with coordination with local agencies and tribal consultation.

Designate the State Lands Commission as the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act compliance for offshore wind energy projects and require coordination with federal agencies to prepare joint environmental documents.

Establish the California Offshore Wind Energy Fisheries Working Group to develop a statewide strategy by January 1, 2026, addressing avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries from offshore wind projects.

Create the Offshore Wind Energy Resiliency Fund to receive lease revenue and fund compensatory mitigation payments including fleet improvements, personal property loss compensation, lost revenue compensation, and monitoring costs.

Require offshore wind energy project applicants to comply with the statewide strategy's terms and best practices, and compensate fishing industry and tribal representatives at $50 per hour (up to $500 daily) for working group participation.