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AB 1023

Coastal resources: coastal development permits and procedures: Zero Emissions Port Electrification and Operations project.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gipson

AB 1023 streamlines and centralizes coastal permitting for ZEPEO at the Port of LA, with a 90-day state review and prohibition on fully automated cargo handling equipment.

From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
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Bill Summary · AB 1023

AB 1023 — Summary (Gipson)

Coastal resources: coastal development permits and procedures: Zero Emissions Port Electrification and Operations project

Purpose / intent

AB 1023 creates a special statutory framework for the Zero Emissions Port Electrification and Operations project (ZEPEO) at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA). Its stated aim is to streamline and centralize coastal permitting and interagency review necessary to expand grid and fueling infrastructure for human-operated zero‑emission cargo handling equipment, accelerate project completion before 2030, and prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Key provisions

  • Adds Article 3 (Sections 30650–30652) to Chapter 7, Division 20 of the Public Resources Code defining ZEPEO and establishing special permitting rules.
  • Definition of ZEPEO (Section 30650): an LADWP-led electric grid expansion for POLA that will add at least 200 megawatts via:
    • expansion of Receiving Station Q (Harbor Generating Station),
    • expansion of Receiving Station C (Wilmington),
    • construction of a switching station (Wilmington),
    • new distribution lines, and
    • new network stations at each container terminal and Outer Harbor.
    • Associated projects required for completion (e.g., Avalon Promenade and Gateway Project) are covered by the article.
  • Centralized coastal permit authority (Section 30651):
    • If a coastal development permit for ZEPEO would otherwise require review by multiple jurisdictions, the permit is to be considered within the Los Angeles Harbor District.
    • The Los Angeles Harbor Department (LAHD) has sole authority to review and issue that coastal development permit on behalf of the other jurisdictions.
    • A project approved by LAHD is deemed compliant with the land use plans of local jurisdictions.
  • Prohibition on fully automated equipment (Section 30651(c)):
    • ZEPEO may not include deployment, purchase, or installation of fully automated cargo handling equipment or infrastructure supporting charging/fueling of such equipment. (“Fully automated” is defined by Streets & Highways Code §2192.)
  • Additional terminal projects (Section 30651(d)):
    • Any additional non‑exempt project to install infrastructure or equipment at a terminal within the POLA Port Master Plan boundary must obtain a separate coastal development permit that conforms to the Port Master Plan.
  • Expedited state permitting (Section 30652):
    • Any state agency receiving a permit application required for ZEPEO or associated projects must render a decision within 90 days of submission; if no action is taken within 90 days, the permit is deemed issued.

Who is affected

  • Los Angeles Harbor Department / Los Angeles Harbor District: gains sole coastal permit authority for ZEPEO-related permits and new responsibilities in reviewing/issuing those permits.
  • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP): project sponsor/implementer for the grid expansion adding ≥200 MW.
  • Port of Los Angeles tenants and terminal operators: will be affected by new network stations and by requirements for separate permits for additional terminal projects.
  • Local coastal jurisdictions that normally review coastal development permits: their permit authority is effectively preempted for ZEPEO-related permits.
  • State agencies that issue permits for project components: subject to 90‑day decision timeline or deemed issuance.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Bill introduced: February 20, 2025.
  • Status (as of provided actions): In Assembly Natural Resources Committee; hearings were set then canceled at the author's request (first and second hearings cancelled). It has been amended and re-referred to the Natural Resources Committee; also referred to the Transportation Committee earlier.
  • Legislative findings assert a special statute is necessary to meet the 2030 completion target and 2028 Olympics preparation.
  • The bill declares it creates a state‑mandated local program (LAHD duties), but states no state reimbursement is required under Article XIII B, §6 on the basis that local agencies can levy fees to cover costs.

Fiscal and legal context

  • Notes that ZEPEO is not eligible for funding under the federal Clean Ports Program (42 U.S.C. §7433, Inflation Reduction Act) because it is a stand‑alone utility upgrade.
  • Reiterates existing California law (e.g., Streets & Highways Code §2192) prohibiting use of public funds to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment — the bill aligns project scope to human‑operated equipment charging/fueling needs.
  • The bill explicitly invokes Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution to justify a special statute limited to the Port of Los Angeles.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Streamlines permitting and could accelerate project deployment by centralizing local coastal permit authority and imposing a 90‑day state permit decision deadline (with deemed issuance).
  • Limits local jurisdictional review and public review processes ordinarily associated with multiple local coastal permit authorities.
  • Prevents use of project infrastructure for fully automated cargo handling, shaping equipment and workforce outcomes at POLA.
  • May impose additional responsibilities and costs on LAHD; bill states no state reimbursement requirement due to local fee authority.

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

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