California Environmental Quality Act: electrical infrastructure projects.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill modifies California’s Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline the environmental review process for certain electrical infrastructure projects, specifically those designated as ‘priority projects.’ It requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to determine whether to certify an environmental impact report for these projects within 270 days of application completeness, subject to certain extensions. The bill also establishes a process for commission staff to review applications and ensure applicants address identified deficiencies within a specified timeframe, aiming to expedite the approval of critical electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Key provisions
- Requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to certify environmental impact reports for ‘priority’ electrical infrastructure projects within 270 days of application completeness.
- Defines ‘priority projects’ based on criteria including Independent System Operator approvals, renewable energy interconnection, and system upgrades.
- Establishes a process for commission staff to review applications and notify applicants of deficiencies.
- Sets deadlines for applicants to correct deficiencies or explain their inability to do so.
- Allows for extensions to the certification timeline under specific circumstances.
- Requires applicants to identify priority project designation in their applications.
- Defines key terms such as ‘Applicant,’ ‘Electrical infrastructure project,’ and ‘Priority project’ for clarity.
- Specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts due to the creation of a new crime.
Bill text
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