Bill > AB295

This bill expands the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining provisions to include water storage, water conveyance, and groundwater recharge projects that provide public benefits and drought preparedness. Currently, CEQA requires environmental impact reports for projects that may significantly affect the environment, but the Jobs and Economic Improvement Through Environmental Leadership Act allows certain types of projects to receive expedited review if they meet specific criteria. The bill adds water-related infrastructure projects to the list of eligible "environmental leadership development projects" that can be certified by the Governor for faster environmental review. These projects must create high-wage jobs, potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet other requirements such as entering into binding agreements about mitigation measures and paying for legal and administrative costs associated with project review. The bill also specifies that local agencies will not be reimbursed for implementing these new provisions, as they have the authority to levy fees to cover the associated costs. This legislation aims to accelerate critical water infrastructure development in California by reducing regulatory barriers and providing a more streamlined environmental review process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB295