The summary is a study on the problem of the growing conflict between energy needs and environmental protection in California by the Committee on Planning and Land Use of the California State Assembly. The contract from the assembly was augmented by an existing grant for energy studies from the Rockefeller Foundation. An examination and evaluation of the alternative siting options for power plants was made in order to define the criteria and methods useful to a state siting agency in the site-selection process. The legislature was also interested in a discussion of the need for a power plant siting agency; the critical issues in establishing effective policy in this field; and the alternative structures, functions, and procedures for a siting agency. (MCW)