CEQA

SB 731 (Steinberg) – Oppose Unless Amended
As Amended August 5, 2013

SB 731, by Senator Darrell Steinberg, will be heard on Wednesday August 14, 2013 in the Assembly Local Government Committee. As you may recall, this bill would make several changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This bill continues to be the main vehicle for the CEQA reform discussion taking place within the Legislature. CSAC, along with a coalition of public agencies, including the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), and the Urban Counties Caucus (UCC) have identified several issues with the bill and are seeking amendments to SB 731. To view a copy of our letter, visit the CSAC website. 

The following are key points of the legislation:

• Thresholds Section. New section on thresholds of significance provides that the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) propose revisions to the CEQA Guidelines of thresholds of significance for noise, transportation and parking impacts for residential, mixed use residential, or employment center projects within transit priority areas. Also provides that aesthetic impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or employments center projects shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment.
• Tolling Provisions. Provides that the limitation period for filing lawsuits may be tolled for a period of four years.
• Record of Proceedings. Provides that the lead agency prepare the record of proceedings concurrently with the administrative process and requires information to be posed to the website.
• Writ of Mandate. Provides that a writ may direct an agency to revise only portions of the document found not to be in compliance.
• Notice. Notice provisions including making available in draft form for public review at least 15 days prior to the project, notice by email.
• Annual Report. Provides a new requirement for lead agencies to prepare and publish annual reports for every approved project, detailing compliance with CEQA mitigation measures.
• Funding. Includes the intent of the Legislature to provide the $30 million in planning grant to local agencies to be allocated by the Strategic Growth Council.

AB 32 2013 Scoping Plan Update – Waste Management Sector

A public workshop, co-hosted by CalRecycle and Air Resources Board (ARB) staff, will be held on September 17, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at CalEPA Headquarters, Byron Sher Auditorium.  Participation via webcast will also be available.  The purpose of the September 17th workshop is to discuss revised documents for the draft Waste Management Sector Plan, which explores activities to achieve the 75% recycling goal of AB 341 and inform the development of the AB 32 2013 Scoping Plan Update.  The revised draft technical papers and information regarding the public comment process will be posted on the Cal Recycle websiteprior to the September 17th workshop. The workshop will be devoted to stakeholder input and discussion on these documents. 

The Solid Waste Industry Group (SWIG), a coalition that represents a cross section of private companies and local government, including CSAC, submitted a joint letter on the draft Waste Management Sector Plan on July 12.  Those comments may be viewed on the CSAC website.

Questions regarding the CalRecycle/ARB workshop can be directed to:
Tracey.Harper@CalRecycle.ca.gov.