Geothermal energy comes from heat stored in rocks and fluid in the Earth’s crust. Geothermal fluids may be steam or hot water. With more than 650 active, high-temperature (fluids over 212 degrees F) wells that tap into geothermal fields, California is the largest generator of electricity from geothermal energy in the United States. The Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) regulates the operation, maintenance, and permanent closure of production and
injection wells used for the discovery and extraction of geothermal resources on state and private land. Geothermal energy is part of the answer as California aims toward carbon-neutrality by 2045.
Update
Active Rulemaking
On February 8, 2022, CalGEM released an updated Discussion Draft proposing updates to the statewide regulations for geothermal wells for the purpose of receiving public input. The discussion draft proposed updates to the Statewide Geothermal Regulations aimed at reflecting developments in science and technology, expanding reporting of technical data related to well operations and injection processes, and providing clarity on regulatory requirements.
CalGEM invited public comment on the proposed regulations. In addition, CalGEM held public workshops on March 15 and March 17, 2022.
The comment period closed on March 25, 2022.
The proposed update builds on preliminary rulemaking activity conducted in 2018, including the release of an early discussion draft in February 2018 (below). Public feedback on this early version is reflected in the February 2022 updated discussion draft.
Additional Information
For Operators
