Bill > AB941

This bill aims to streamline the environmental review process for priority electrical infrastructure projects in California by establishing specific timelines and requirements for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill defines "priority projects" as electrical transmission lines, power lines, and associated infrastructure that are approved by the Independent System Operator, intended to interconnect renewable energy resources, part of a transmission cluster study, or necessary to support electrification efforts. It mandates that the PUC must determine whether to certify an environmental impact report (EIR) or approve other environmental documentation within 270 days of deeming an application complete, with provisions for extending this timeline under specific circumstances such as new environmental information, proposed project changes, or seasonal constraints. The bill requires project applicants to clearly identify their project as a priority project and provides a structured process for application review, including a 30-day initial review period where the commission must notify applicants of any deficiencies and a 60-day window for applicants to address those deficiencies. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that violations of the commission's actions implementing these requirements could be considered a crime, which technically creates a state-mandated local program. The overall goal is to expedite the environmental review process for critical electrical infrastructure projects while maintaining environmental protection standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB941