CA SB567

Establishes the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program until January 1, 2035, authorizing the State Oil and Gas Supervisor to permit conversion of up to 250 oil and gas wells into gravity-based energy storage wells that generate energy by raising and lowering weights within well casings

Requires wells to meet specific criteria before conversion, including being plugged with sealed perforations, isolated from hydrocarbon reservoirs, having mechanical integrity, and not allowing fluid migration into beneficial use aquifers

Mandates mechanical integrity testing before conversion and at least annually thereafter, continuous leak monitoring, and immediate notification to regulators, schools, and community members within 3,200 feet if leaks or mechanical integrity loss occurs

Requires operators to pay prevailing wages and use skilled and trained workforces for conversion work, and imposes annual charges on operators to cover state regulatory costs for surveillance and testing

Directs the Geologic Energy Management Division to evaluate the pilot program and submit recommendations to the Legislature by January 1, 2033 for a framework to implement an ongoing regulatory program for gravity-based energy storage wells