Revenues disbursed to counties of origin pursuant to Section 3821 and grants or loans made to local jurisdictions or private entities pursuant to Section 3822 shall be expended by the recipient for the following purposes:
(a) Undertaking research and development projects relating to geothermal resource assessment and exploration, and direct-use and electric generation technology.
(b) Local and regional planning and policy development and implementation necessary for compliance with programs required by local, state, or federal laws and regulations.
(c) Identification of feasible measures that will mitigate the adverse impacts of the development of geothermal resources and the adoption of ordinances, regulations, and guidelines to implement those measures.
(d) Collecting baseline data and conducting environmental monitoring.
(e) Preparation or revision of geothermal resource elements, or geothermal components of energy elements, for inclusion in the local general plan, zoning and other ordinances, and related planning and environmental documents.
(f) Administrative costs incurred by the local jurisdiction that are attributable to the development or production of geothermal resources.
(g) Monitoring and inspecting geothermal facilities and related activities to assure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
(h) Identifying, researching, and implementing feasible measures that will mitigate the adverse impacts of that development or production.
(i) Planning, constructing, providing, operating, and maintaining those public services and facilities that are necessitated by, and result from, the development or production.
(j) Undertaking projects demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of geothermal direct heat and electrical generation applications.
(k) Undertaking projects for the enhancement, restoration, or preservation of natural resources, including, but not limited to, water development, water quality improvement, fisheries enhancement, and park and recreation facilities and areas.
(l) In furtherance of the state’s zero-emission vehicle and energy storage objectives, undertaking projects to recover lithium, metals, agricultural products, and other beneficial minerals from highly mineralized geothermal brines at a geothermal facility in existence on January 1, 2017, that is in a disadvantaged community and provides local employment opportunities.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 539, Sec. 1. (SB 1074) Effective January 1, 2017.)