California Code, Water Code - WAT § 31149.3

(a) The North Marin County Water District may construct, maintain, and operate one or more plants for the generation of power from wind or solar radiation, and the transmission lines for the conveyance thereof, and in connection therewith shall have all the powers set forth in this article for the generation of hydroelectric power.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 31149.1, the North Marin County Water District may use any water for the generation of hydroelectric power subject, however, to any limitations or provisions contained in Section 106.7, Part 2 (commencing with Section 1200) of Division 2, or any other provisions of law. The hydroelectric power shall be developed so as to meet the direct and indirect energy requirements of the district for the proper operation of the district's water storage, transmission, and distribution system.

(c) The authority contained in subdivision (b), in the case of sole projects of the North Marin County Water District, may only be exercised by the district if the project is approved by the board of supervisors of the county in which the project is located or, in the case of joint projects, may only be exercised by the district if the project is approved by contract with the public agency acting as lead agency on the project.