Geothermal Opportunity Zone Cooperation Agreement with Chevron New Energies
Summary
SCH Number
2023030333
Public Agency
Sonoma Clean Power Authority
Document Title
Geothermal Opportunity Zone Cooperation Agreement with Chevron New Energies
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/10/2023
Document Description
On March 2, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Clean Power Authority (“SCPA”) approved the execution of the Geothermal Opportunity Zone (“GeoZone”) Cooperation Agreement with Chevron New Energies (“Agreement”).
SCPA established a Geothermal Opportunity Zone (“GeoZone”) on October 7, 2021 to explore the opportunity to develop local geothermal resources in partnership with Mendocino County (joined by resolution on December 7, 2021) and Sonoma County (joined by resolution on February 8, 2022).
New geothermal technologies and development approaches provide an opportunity to develop power projects that are commercially scalable, reduce environmental impacts, and provide benefits to the community.
SCPA and Chevron New Energies entered into this Agreement to collaborate on development of new geothermal resources in the GeoZone. Chevron New Energies is expected to deploy new technology to increase the capacity of local geothermal resources in a manner compatible with community values in exchange for SCPA’s commitment to negotiate a purchase agreement and to support community engagement and advocacy.
Contact Information
Name
Ryan Tracey
Agency Name
Sonoma Clean Power Authority
Job Title
Director of Planning & Analytics
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Counties
Mendocino, Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
Counties of Mendocino and Sonoma
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
State CEQA Guidelines sections 15262, 15306, 15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
Authorizing the Delegated Authority is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15262, which exempts a project involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the board has not approved. Additionally, the Project meets the criteria for a Class 6 Categorical Exemption (§ 15306). Class 6 exemptions consist of “basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.” Here, the Agreement is designed to conduct research and resource evaluations for geothermal energy within the GeoZone for future actions not yet approved by this board.
None of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 have any applicability here.
Furthermore, the Agreement is additionally exempt under State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), which exempts those activities for which it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the cooperation agreements may have a significant impact on the environment. Implementation of the cooperation agreements will only give Chevron New Energies the ability to plan for the future potential development of geothermal resources that are aligned with the Geothermal Opportunity Zone objectives and community needs, and are in full compliance with all permitting obligations. As a result, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the cooperation agreements may have a significant impact on the environment.
County Clerks
Mendocino, Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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