Bill > SB887

This bill amends the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address the environmental impacts of data centers and clean energy projects. It defines "data center" and prohibits the use of categorical exemptions, which are pre-approved environmental clearances for certain project types, for data center development and operation, meaning these projects will undergo more thorough environmental review. Additionally, the bill expands the "environmental leadership development project" program, which offers streamlined environmental review for projects meeting specific criteria. Under this expansion, data center projects that meet stringent conditions related to energy use, water conservation, and community benefits can be certified as environmental leadership projects. The bill also allows geothermal power plants meeting certain criteria to qualify for this program. Furthermore, it requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to establish uniform standards for certified data centers, including compliance reporting and enforcement. Finally, the bill clarifies how greenhouse gas emissions from these projects are quantified and mitigated, prioritizing direct reductions within the affected communities.