Bill > SB954

This bill modifies the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline environmental reviews for certain projects, particularly advanced manufacturing facilities. It expands the definition of "natural and protected lands" to include habitats for species identified as sensitive by state or federal agencies. The bill also introduces new exemptions and modifies existing ones: family day care homes are now exempt under specific conditions, and advanced manufacturing facility projects can be exempt if they meet stringent criteria, including being used exclusively for "final tier manufacturing" (the final assembly and integration of components into a market-ready product), receiving certification from the Governor, adhering to strict emission limits, and being located away from sensitive receptors and disadvantaged communities. Crucially, applicants for these advanced manufacturing exemptions must enter into a "bona fide community benefits agreement" (a private agreement with community stakeholders for local mitigation and job access) and comply with specific labor requirements, such as paying prevailing wages and using a "skilled and trained workforce" (workers with the necessary qualifications and training). Additionally, the bill clarifies that CEQA exemptions for rezoning related to housing elements do not apply to rezonings that authorize new or expanded tourism facility uses, and it removes an exception that previously allowed oil and gas infrastructure construction under these rezoning exemptions.