Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 130521

The commission may acquire by deed, purchase, lease, contract, gift, devise, or otherwise, any real or personal property, structures, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, air, land, and development rights, and other interests in lands located within this state necessary or convenient for the construction or operation of a project, upon terms and conditions it deems advisable, and to lease, develop, jointly develop, maintain, operate, or dispose of any property, right, or interest in the manner that is necessary or desirable to carry out the objects and purposes of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter provides eminent domain power.