The Department of Conservation is responsible for conducting rulemakings to adopt and amend regulations covering a variety of areas.
To be added to the regulations listserv for notice on important rulemaking activities please send your request for subscription to
OLRA@conservation.ca.gov.
For information about rulemaking efforts from previous years, visit our
Past Rulemakings page.
California Geologic Energy Management Division
Statewide Geothermal Regulations (Pre-Rulemaking)
On February 8, 2022, CalGEM released a second pre-rulemaking Discussion Draft for the purpose of receiving public input on proposed statewide regulations for geothermal wells. The comment period closed on April 8, 2022. CalGEM staff are reviewing comments received and updating the draft rules as appropriate.
From February 16, 2018 through March 30, 2018, CalGEM accepted public comment on the first pre-rulemaking Discussion Draft of proposed Statewide Geothermal Regulations. Department staff reviewed the public feedback received and made changes to the comprehensive Discussion Draft that is being released in 2022.
Public Health (Pre-Rulemaking)
On October 21, 2021, the California Department of Conservation's Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) released for public comment a set of science-based health and safety draft regulations to protect communities and workers from the impacts of nearby oil and gas production operations. The comment period closed on December 21, 2021. Comments received during the comment period are being reviewed and considered in developing proposed regulations for formal rulemaking.
For more details, visit the
Public Health rulemaking page.
SB 1137 Rulemaking
As of June 28, 2024, the provisions of SB 1137 are now in effect. More information can be found here.
On March 3, 2025, the Department of Conservation's Geologic Energy Management Division released a Discussion Draft of regulations for Health Protection Zones. This release kicked off a public comment period that ends on March 31, 2025. Public workshops are being held on March 19 and 20, 2025.
The First Emergency Regulations are now in effect.
