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AB 1191

California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: hydroelectric generation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Tangipa

AB 1191 modifies California's renewable energy standard to adjust hydroelectric generation credits, but failed initial committee review in April 2025.

In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted.
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Bill Summary · AB 1191

Legislative bill overview

AB 1191 proposes modifications to California's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) program regarding how hydroelectric generation is counted and credited toward the state's renewable energy targets. The bill underwent its first committee hearing in April 2025 but failed to advance, though reconsideration was granted.

Why is this important

California's RPS requires utilities to procure increasing percentages of electricity from renewable sources, with a current mandate of 60% by 2030. How hydroelectric power is classified and credited significantly affects whether the state meets its renewable energy goals and impacts the financial viability of hydroelectric facilities, which provide substantial baseload power generation in California.

Potential points of contention

  • Hydroelectric classification debate: Disagreement over whether certain hydroelectric sources (particularly run-of-river or small hydroelectric projects) should receive full RPS credit, as some argue older dams don't represent "new" renewable development
  • Environmental concerns: Tension between counting hydroelectric toward clean energy goals versus environmental impacts of dams on fish migration, water flow, and ecosystem health
  • Energy reliability trade-offs: Questions about whether prioritizing hydroelectric in the RPS framework affects California's ability to diversify toward wind and solar, which have different generation patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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