California Code, Public Utilities Code - PUC § 3126

An association may buy, hold, and exercise all privileges of ownership of real or personal property as may be necessary or convenient for the conduct and operation of, or incidental to, any business of the association.  Without limiting the foregoing, an association may acquire a real property easement from a public utility for the purpose of accommodating the association's gas plant, and the easement shall be deemed to be held for a public purpose by the association, provided that the commission finds that the use by the association is in the public interest.