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AB 2606

Oil and gas: subsurface energy transition research and demonstration projects: California State University, Bakersfield.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stan Ellis

AB 2606 authorizes CSU Bakersfield-led subsurface energy research and demonstration zones to test low-carbon technologies in oil fields, with regulatory safeguards intact.

In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage.
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Bill Summary · AB 2606

Summary of AB 2606 (2025-2026) – California State University, Bakersfield, Subsurface Energy Transition Research and Demonstration Projects

Main purpose and intent

AB 2606 seeks to authorizes a set of state-regulated programs and university partnerships to advance subsurface energy technologies in California. The bill envisions California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) playing a central role in establishing demonstration zones, research facilities, and collaborative programs aimed at testing low-carbon and carbon-reducing techniques in existing oil fields, with the overarching goal of achieving neutral or net negative emissions over a 10-year horizon. It also aims to strengthen in-state regulatory capacity and public-private-academic collaboration around subsurface energy, environmental protection, and public health.

Key provisions and changes

  • Legal framework additions:
    • Creates Article 3.7 within the Public Resources Code to govern Subsurface Energy Transition Research and Demonstration Projects.
    • Directs the Department (Oil, Gas, and related divisions) to prioritize approvals for specified low-carbon/subsurface technologies.
  • Programmatic authorities and activities:
    • Subsurface Low-Carbon Demonstration Project Program: Enables partnerships among the state, CSU system, private industry, and public entities to study and demonstrate innovative subsurface technologies using existing or idle wells. Must comply with environmental protections and financial assurances; regulatory authority remains intact.
    • Regional Subsurface Energy Transition and Applied Research Program: Establishes a CSU-based program to expand interdisciplinary research capacity, particularly in regions experiencing workforce transition from oil and gas. CSUB’s California Energy Research Center (CERC) may serve as a pilot partner.
    • Department office at CSUB: Allows the department to establish and administer an official office at CSUB; CSUB can support activities across the department’s responsibilities, including subsurface energy systems, carbon management, mineral extraction, public health, engineering, policy research, and workforce development.
    • Subsurface energy research field station: Creates a field station for applied research, field testing, monitoring, and demonstration of subsurface technologies (e.g., CO2 injection research, critical mineral extraction, hybrid geothermal, idle/well testing) with environmental and permitting safeguards.
    • California Energy Research Center partnership: Encourages ongoing collaboration with CSUB’s center, leveraging its laboratories, field assets, and analytical capacity; ensures no transfer of regulatory authority to the center.
    • California Core Repository at CSUB: Designates CSUB’s Core Repository as an official state-affiliated repository for geological samples and subsurface data, with public access and potential funding.
    • Advisory roles for university researchers: Allows CSUB researchers to serve on advisory panels and technical groups in an advisory capacity while explicitly prohibiting regulatory authority.

Who would be affected

  • State government and regulatory agencies: Receive expanded authority and procedures for approving subsurface research projects, with emphasis on low-carbon technologies.
  • California State University, Bakersfield: Positioned as a central hub for field stations, research programs, and a state office, with enhanced collaboration across CSU system.
  • Other CSU campuses: May participate as model sites for similar programs.
  • Private industry and public entities: Eligible to partner in demonstration projects and engage in research collaborations.
  • General public and environment: Intended to benefit from reduced emissions, enhanced environmental protections, and transparent dissemination of research findings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history indicates ongoing committee actions in 2026, including amendments and re-references. The action history shows a first committee hearing in April 2026 with formal moves typical of a bill undergoing revisions.
  • The bill includes a 10-year horizon for establishing demonstration zones and advancing research and deployment.
  • Fiscal impact: The Digest notes no additional appropriations at the time of listing (Appropriation: NO), implying potential reliance on existing funds or future budget requests.

Notable cautions

  • The bill emphasizes that CSUB activities do not transfer regulatory authority to the university.
  • It preserves environmental and health protections and requires compliance with permitting and financial assurances for field activities.

Overall, AB 2606 aims to institutionalize university-led, regionally focused subsurface energy research and demonstration, centered at CSUB, to foster low-carbon technologies in oil-producing regions while maintaining regulatory safeguards.

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

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