CA SB49

Requires the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and Public Utilities Commission, to evaluate by December 31, 2025, impediments to developing renewable energy, energy storage, and electrical transmission facilities on state highway rights-of-way.

Mandates the evaluation consider whether the Department should own these facilities or lease/grant easements/enter joint-use agreements with public utilities or other entities.

Directs the evaluation to assess suitability of various department-owned rights-of-way types for renewable energy and storage development, identify legal and policy barriers, and estimate potential renewable energy and storage capacity achievable.

Requires evaluation of department-owned rights-of-way for electrical transmission and distribution facilities needed to meet Public Utilities Code Section 454.53 goals, coordinating with the Public Utilities Commission, Independent System Operator, and other balancing authorities.

Calls for identifying safety and environmental requirements, establishing an application process for lease or easement agreements with terms covering the useful life of projects, and providing recommendations to facilitate facility development on department-owned rights-of-way.