California Environmental Quality Act.
The amendment proposed in AB 3325 aims to streamline the process for certain infrastructure projects by removing bureaucratic red tape associated with environmental impact reports. By making it clear that restriping projects are exempt from the comprehensive environmental review mandated by CEQA, the bill intends to facilitate quicker approvals and implementations of necessary traffic management projects, ultimately supporting state infrastructure and potentially improving traffic conditions.
Assembly Bill 3325, introduced by Assembly Member Brough, seeks to amend Section 21080.19 of the Public Resources Code, specifically regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The primary purpose of this bill is to clarify and make what is described as a nonsubstantive change to an existing exemption from CEQA's environmental review requirements. This exemption currently applies to projects that focus on restriping streets or highways designed to alleviate traffic congestion, asserting that such projects do not require extensive environmental assessments under CEQA.
While the bill does not introduce significant changes to the scope or application of CEQA, the discussion surrounding it may pivot on the importance of maintaining environmental assessments for infrastructure changes. Critics may argue that even minor projects, like street restriping, should not be exempt from regulation as they could have unforeseen environmental impacts. There may also be a concern among environmental advocates regarding the overarching trend to limit environmental reviews that ensure projects do not adversely affect ecological and community health.