DOC Tribal Affairs

Our Commitment to Tribal Nations

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) honors and respects the inherent sovereignty of California Native American tribes. We recognize that tribal knowledge and leadership are vital to the responsible management and protection of California's environment.

Recognizing that California tribes have been caretakers of these lands since time immemorial, we strive to ensure that tribal voices are heard, respected, and reflected in our policies, programs, and decisions.

We are committed to building and maintaining meaningful, respectful, and transparent government-to-government relationships with tribal nations across the state that is guided by collaboration, cultural sensitivity and respect, and shared stewardship of California's landscapes and natural resources.

Through ongoing engagement, consultation, and relationship-building, the Department is dedicated to advancing equity, honoring tribal sovereignty, and fostering partnerships with California tribes.

For more information or to connect with Conservation's Tribal Liaison, please reach out to Crystal Blue (Miwok/Nisenan) at Crystal.Blue@conservation.ca.gov or TribalAffairs@conservation.ca.gov

Left: Roundhouse, Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Right: Grinding Rock, Chaw'se Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) - Resources Relating To Grants

Resources from The Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)

CalGEM Permitting & Compliance FAQ
SB 1137 "Health Protection Zones" FAQ
CEQA - CalGEM Homepage - CalGEM's CEQA unit ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act by conducting reviews and collaborating with government agencies and the public to mitigate environmental impacts from oil, gas, and geothermal development

CEQA Process and Projects

Additional Dept of Conservation Resources

DOC Policies: Tribal Consultation & Engagement Policy (Coming Soon)

Mapping & Data Resources:

SB 1137 Map: Health Protection Zones (New Tribal Reservations & Allotments Layer)
Map of Historical California Pre-Contact Tribal Territories
NAHC's Digital Atlas of CA Native Americans

Tribal Notices of Public Comment Periods

Notice of Public Comment Period - Deep Rose Exploratory Geothermal Wells (Inyo County)

Project: The Deep Rose Geothermal Exploration Project by Deep Rose Geothermal, LLC. involves new drill activities necessary to construct and produce four new exploratory geothermal wells on the proposed sites within the Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area, for a total disturbance equal to approximately 3.9 acres.

Public Comment Period: The Draft Initial Studies Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) is being circulated for public review and comment for a period of 30 days, beginning July 28, 2025, and ending August 27, 2025, pursuant to Cal. Code Regs., tit 14, §15105. No public meetings are planned for the proposed project.

How to Comment: Written comments should be submitted to and received by CalGEM by August 27, 2025.

Please send written comments to:
California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)
Attn: Deep Rose Geothermal Exploration Project
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

*Comments may also be emailed to CEQA@conservation.ca.gov.

The Draft ISMND document is available for viewing on the following websites:

CalGEM at https://www.conservation.ca.gov/calgem/CEQA, and, and
Inyo County Clerk Recorder at https://www.inyocounty.us/icContent/environmentalDocuments/

Notice of Public Comment Period - SB 1137

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) respectfully requests input and feedback on the DOC's continued work to implement health protection zones within 3,200 feet of sensitive receptors such as residences, parks, and schools where oil and gas production activity is restricted as required by Senate Bill 1137 (Gonzalez, Chapter 365, Statutes of 2022). 

Tribes may send comments to this email address: calgemregulations@conservation.ca.gov

BACKGROUND 

The Department of Conservation's California Energy Management Division (CalGEM) has a statutory responsibility to oversee the drilling, operation, maintenance, and abandonment of oil, gas, and geothermal wells, with the aim of preventing, as far as possible, damage to life, health, property, and natural resources. CalGEM has multi-faceted mandate to protect public health and safety, reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with the development of hydrocarbon and geothermal resources in a manner that meets the energy needs of the state. Senate Bill 1137 (Gonzalez, Chapter 365, Statutes of 2022) codified Public Resources Code section 3280-3291.  Except under specified conditions, Senate Bill 1137 prohibits the issuance of oil and gas permits and the construction and operation of new production facilities within a health protection zone, which is defined by the presence of residences, businesses open to the public, and other sensitive receptors. The law also establishes strict engineering controls to mitigate risks from existing operations within the Health Protection Zone, among many other provisions.

In 2023, emergency regulations were promulgated to clarify the requirements of the health protection zone statutes.  Those emergency regulations will expire in July 2026 and DOC is undertaking a rulemaking effort to promulgate permanent regulations to replace them. 

The proposed permanent regulations can be accessed on the DOC website at: 
https://www.conservation.ca.gov/calgem/Pages/SB1137.aspx  

FORMAL RULEMAKING

The DOC is entering into formal rulemaking for SB 1137. This means that it released a Notice of Proposed Action with regulatory text for review by the public in a 45-day comment period that closes on September 18, 2025. Tribes are encouraged to send in written comments and attend the public hearing (details below). The public comment period ends at 11:59 pm on September 18, 2025.

PUBLIC HEARING

The DOC will be holding a public hearing on September 17, beginning at 9:00 am, to receive public comment on the regulations. Attendees may participate online via Zoom or by telephone conference.

SB 1137 First Implementation Regulations Public Hearing 

Date: 9/17/2025

Time: Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JIaTjfPLRvmrWaryi45c9g

Or join by telephone: 877-336-1831, Conference Code 148676

**Tribes may send comments to this email address: calgemregulations@conservation.ca.gov