Planning & Assessment Framework

The following information describes regulatory procedures for siting marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) projects in California state waters, which generally include the seabed, submerged lands, and waters extending three nautical miles seaward from shore.  For a description of the Scope, Organization and Commonly Used Terms, please refer to the Introduction. 

Like most energy facilities, marine and hydrokinetic projects are developed in phases.  Site assessment is the first step, and once a site is selected the authorization (i.e., permitting and licensing) process begin.  To learn more, please refer to Fundamentals of the Regulatory Framework, which explains the General Authorization Process, Consultation, and Background on Federal Jurisdiction of Hydrokinetics.