Bill > SB887

This bill modifies the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address the environmental impacts of data centers and clean energy projects. Specifically, it prohibits data center projects from using categorical exemptions, which are pre-approved environmental clearances for certain types of projects that are generally considered to have minimal environmental impact. However, the bill also establishes a pathway for data centers to be certified as "environmental leadership development projects" by the Governor, provided they meet stringent conditions related to energy use, water conservation, and community benefits, and are overseen by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. Additionally, the bill allows geothermal power plants meeting specific criteria to also be certified as environmental leadership development projects, and it clarifies that greenhouse gas emissions from these leadership projects must be quantified and mitigated in a manner that prioritizes direct reductions and benefits to the local community.