Bill > SB797

This bill aims to address wildfire risks and electrical infrastructure safety by creating a new approach to underground and insulate electrical utility distribution and transmission facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to form a working group that will study the costs of undergrounding and insulating overhead electrical facilities until January 1, 2031. The working group must compile wildfire mitigation reports from electrical utilities and provide the Legislature with a comprehensive plan by July 1, 2027, detailing the most effective strategies for investing in underground electrical infrastructure or supporting electrical corporations in fire prevention. Additionally, the bill temporarily exempts projects to convert overhead electrical facilities underground or insulate them from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, unless the project is located in an environmentally sensitive area. The exemption will remain in effect until the plan is submitted or no later than July 1, 2027. The bill is particularly focused on preventing fires in high-risk areas such as very high fire hazard severity zones, Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas, and state forests. The legislation does not require additional state reimbursement to local agencies, as they can potentially levy service charges or fees to cover the mandated program.

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

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB797