Public Resources Code section 3190

For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

(a)

“Federal agency” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency, including Region 9 of that agency.

(b)

(1)“Gravity-based energy storage well” means a well that meets all of the following:

(A)

The well is plugged with all perforations sealed, including by the use of permanent bridge plug.

(B)

The well is isolated from a hydrocarbon reservoir.

(C)

The well has mechanical integrity.

(D)

The well is not a conduit for fluid migration into a beneficial use aquifer.

(E)

The well is exclusively used to store or generate energy by raising or lowering a weight within the well casing.

(2)

A well that has been fully plugged and abandoned pursuant to Section 3208 is not eligible to be a gravity-based energy storage well.

(3)

A well listed as an orphan well pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3206.3 or an idle-deserted well, as defined in Section 3251, is eligible to be converted for use as a gravity-based energy storage well if all applicable and necessary rights to do so have been obtained.

Source: Section 3190, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=3190.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2026; accessed Dec. 15, 2025).

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Verified:
Dec. 15, 2025

§ 3190's source at ca​.gov