BILL NUMBER: AB 1598	CHAPTERED  08/24/99

	CHAPTER   223
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   AUGUST 24, 1999
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR   AUGUST 23, 1999
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY   AUGUST 16, 1999
	PASSED THE SENATE   JULY 15, 1999
	AMENDED IN SENATE   JULY 7, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Battin
   (Coauthor:  Assembly Member Strom-Martin)

                        FEBRUARY 26, 1999

   An act to amend Section 3744 of the Public Resources Code,
relating to geothermal resources.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 1598, Battin.  Geothermal resources:  regulation.
   Under existing law, the operation of geothermal resources wells is
subject to orders and other regulatory and enforcement actions taken
by the State Oil and Gas Supervisor.
   This bill would, notwithstanding specified provisions giving the
supervisor specific regulatory and enforcement powers regarding
geothermal resources, authorize the supervisor to make formal or
emergency orders or undertake any other action that the supervisor
determines to be necessary for the protection of life, health,
property, or natural resources, if the supervisor determines that an
emergency exists.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 3744 of the Public Resources Code is amended to
read:
   3744.  (a) Within 30 days from the date of service of an order
made pursuant to Section 3743, the owner or operator shall commence
in good faith the work ordered and continue it until completion.  If
the work has not been commenced and continued to completion, the
supervisor shall appoint necessary agents who shall enter the
premises and perform the work.  An accurate account of the
expenditures shall be kept.  Any amount so expended shall constitute
a lien against the real or personal property of the owner or operator
upon which the work is done and the lien shall have the force,
effect, and priority of a judgment lien pursuant to Section 3772.
   (b) Notwithstanding Sections 3741, 3743, or 3755, if the
supervisor determines that an emergency exists, the supervisor may
make  formal or emergency orders or undertake any other action that
the supervisor determines to be necessary for the protection of life,
health, property, or natural resources.