Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the commission may, at its discretion, issue a lease to the first qualified applicant for a parcel of less than 640 acres if the geothermal resources to be developed on this parcel are utilized entirely for purposes other than electricity generation. The terms, conditions, rentals, royalties, drilling requirements, and development programs of those leases shall be as determined by the commission. If there is an existing geothermal resources lease or permit for the land, the applicant shall obtain the permission of the lessee or permittee.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 573. Effective January 1, 2007.)