Energy: Voluntary Offshore Wind and Coastal Resources Protection Program: community capacity funding activities and grants.

Assembly Member Stefani's proposal to expand California's Voluntary Offshore Wind and Coastal Resources Protection Program creates new funding mechanisms to support local and tribal community engagement in offshore wind energy development. The legislation establishes the Offshore Wind Community Capacity Funding Grant Account, requiring offshore wind entities developing projects over 50 megawatts to provide financial assistance for community participation during the first four years after lease execution.

The bill authorizes funds to be used for project planning consultation, development of local benefit agreements, and capacity building grants. Eligible recipients include local communities, California tribes, tribal-selected nonprofit organizations, and coalitions of these entities. The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission must develop public guidelines for fund distribution, considering community needs and capacities, with reviews every three years. The commission may use up to 5% of grant account funds for administration.

New transparency requirements mandate that offshore wind entities disclose detailed information about direct community donations within 30 days, including donor details, amounts, and intended purposes. The commission must post this information publicly and submit annual reports to the Legislature documenting implementation outcomes and funding impacts. As the bill creates continuous appropriations and may affect state tax revenue, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers for passage.