On June 30, Governor Newsom signed AB 130 and SB 131 into law, bringing major updates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Key Changes Include (Primarily from SB 131):
New CEQA Exemptions
• Rezoning aligned with certified housing elements
• Agricultural employee housing and repairs to existing farmworker housing
• Water and sewer infrastructure projects for disadvantaged communities (exemption extended to 2032)
• Wildfire risk reduction projects including prescribed burns and fuel breaks
• Linear broadband deployment in local road rights-of-way
• Climate adaptation strategy updates
• Development of public parks and nonmotorized recreational trails (state-funded)
• Facilities such as day care centers, nonprofit food banks, health clinics, and advanced manufacturing (not on protected lands)
• High-speed rail maintenance and station facilities
Targeted CEQA Review
• If a project is exempt except for one disqualifying condition, CEQA analysis is limited solely to that condition
• Does not apply to projects involving distribution centers, oil/gas infrastructure, or located on protected lands
Administrative Record Reform
• Internal agency staff notes and communications are excluded from the CEQA administrative record (except for distribution centers and oil/gas infrastructure)
Infill and Urban Development Streamlining
• State to map eligible urban infill sites
• CEQA EIRs for infill projects limited to new or more significant effects not covered in prior EIRs
Guideline Reforms
• CEQA implementation guidelines to be updated at least every two years to address ambiguities and reduce frivolous litigation
Purpose of These Reforms
These reforms were designed to accelerate housing production, streamline environmental review, and reduce delays for critical infrastructure and public service projects, especially in already developed areas.
What This Means for Projects
Projects that previously required full CEQA review may now qualify for exemption or limited-scope analysis. This can reduce time, cost, and litigation risk during planning and permitting.
How Envicom Can Help
With the recent passage of these bills, specific guidance on implementation of these reforms is still being developed. Envicom is working to stay ahead of the curve to inform our practices and how best to assist our clients with how to take advantage of these monumental streamlining opportunities. We’re helping our public agencies and private industry clients interpret these changes, validate eligibility, and adapt project strategies to align with these updates.
Do you have questions about your project and want to speak with a CEQA expert? Feel free to contact:
Travis Cullen, President: tcullen@envicomcorporation.com
Laura Kaufman, AICP, Vice President: lkaufman@envicomcorporation.com