Bill > SB426

This bill adds an exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a law that typically requires environmental impact reviews for projects that might significantly affect the environment. Specifically, the bill exempts projects undertaken by public agencies to create and maintain "defensible space" around structures in fire-prone areas. Defensible space refers to a buffer zone around buildings where vegetation is cleared or managed to reduce wildfire risk, as mandated by existing state laws (Sections 51182 of the Government Code and 4291 of the Public Resources Code). Under this bill, such fire prevention projects would no longer need to go through the standard CEQA environmental review process, which can be time-consuming and costly. The bill also includes a provision stating that local agencies do not need to be reimbursed by the state for implementing these defensible space projects, because they have the authority to levy fees or charges to cover the costs. This change aims to streamline fire prevention efforts and reduce bureaucratic barriers to creating defensible space in wildfire-vulnerable areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB426