Bill > AB404

This bill extends and makes permanent an existing exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for certain forest management and wildfire risk reduction projects on federal lands. Specifically, the bill removes the previous January 1, 2028 sunset date for exempting prescribed fire, reforestation, habitat restoration, thinning, and fuel reduction projects that have been reviewed under the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The exemption applies when state or local agencies are providing funding, staffing, or undertaking projects under federal agreements like the Good Neighbor Authority. Lead agencies must still file a notice of exemption with the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the county clerk, and post the notice on their website with documentation. The bill requires the Natural Resources Agency to report any substantial changes to federal environmental laws affecting forest management to the Legislature by February 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill extends the exemption to discretionary approvals for certain tribal cultural burn and wildfire funding projects on tribal lands. By making this exemption permanent, the bill aims to streamline environmental review processes for forest health and wildfire risk reduction projects, potentially facilitating faster and more efficient forest management efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB404