Amended IN Senate March 20, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 231Introduced by Senator Seyarto(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, and Valladares)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Alanis, Chen, and Lackey)January 28, 2025 An act to add Section 21083.06 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 231, as amended, Seyarto. California Environmental Quality Act: guidelines. the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: technical advisory.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. CEQA also requires a lead agency to prepare a mitigated negative declaration for a project that may have a significant effect on the environment if revisions in the project would avoid or mitigate that effect and there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, would have a significant effect on the environment.CEQA requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, formerly named the Office of Planning and Research, to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. CEQA requires the guidelines to specifically include criteria for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of the CEQA guidelines to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment when completing Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines. The bill would require the best practices to consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, specified state and federal environmental laws. The bill would authorize the office, in developing those guidelines, to consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.Under existing law, the recommendation, continuous evaluation, and execution of statewide environmental goals, policies, and plans are included within the scope of the executive functions of the Governor. Existing law establishes the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in the Governors office for the purpose of serving the Governor and the Governors cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constituting the comprehensive state planning agency.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The bill would require the technical advisory to provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state, as specified, and would provide that lead agencies may elect to adopt these suggested thresholds of significance. The bill would also require the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to post the technical advisory on its internet website.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.SECTION 1.Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21083.06.(a)On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency shall certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 21083, when completing Appendix G of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The best practices shall consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, all of the following:(1)The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) for greenhouse gas emissions.(2)The federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7401 et seq.) for vehicle miles traveled.(3)The California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) for noise pollution.(b)In developing guidelines pursuant to subdivision (a), the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.
Amended IN Senate March 20, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 231Introduced by Senator Seyarto(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, and Valladares)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Alanis, Chen, and Lackey)January 28, 2025 An act to add Section 21083.06 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 231, as amended, Seyarto. California Environmental Quality Act: guidelines. the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: technical advisory.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. CEQA also requires a lead agency to prepare a mitigated negative declaration for a project that may have a significant effect on the environment if revisions in the project would avoid or mitigate that effect and there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, would have a significant effect on the environment.CEQA requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, formerly named the Office of Planning and Research, to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. CEQA requires the guidelines to specifically include criteria for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of the CEQA guidelines to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment when completing Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines. The bill would require the best practices to consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, specified state and federal environmental laws. The bill would authorize the office, in developing those guidelines, to consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.Under existing law, the recommendation, continuous evaluation, and execution of statewide environmental goals, policies, and plans are included within the scope of the executive functions of the Governor. Existing law establishes the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in the Governors office for the purpose of serving the Governor and the Governors cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constituting the comprehensive state planning agency.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The bill would require the technical advisory to provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state, as specified, and would provide that lead agencies may elect to adopt these suggested thresholds of significance. The bill would also require the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to post the technical advisory on its internet website.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Senate March 20, 2025
Amended IN Senate March 20, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 231
Introduced by Senator Seyarto(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, and Valladares)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Alanis, Chen, and Lackey)January 28, 2025
Introduced by Senator Seyarto(Coauthors: Senators Choi, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, and Valladares)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Alanis, Chen, and Lackey)
January 28, 2025
An act to add Section 21083.06 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 231, as amended, Seyarto. California Environmental Quality Act: guidelines. the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: technical advisory.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. CEQA also requires a lead agency to prepare a mitigated negative declaration for a project that may have a significant effect on the environment if revisions in the project would avoid or mitigate that effect and there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, would have a significant effect on the environment.CEQA requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, formerly named the Office of Planning and Research, to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. CEQA requires the guidelines to specifically include criteria for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of the CEQA guidelines to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment when completing Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines. The bill would require the best practices to consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, specified state and federal environmental laws. The bill would authorize the office, in developing those guidelines, to consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.Under existing law, the recommendation, continuous evaluation, and execution of statewide environmental goals, policies, and plans are included within the scope of the executive functions of the Governor. Existing law establishes the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in the Governors office for the purpose of serving the Governor and the Governors cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constituting the comprehensive state planning agency.This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The bill would require the technical advisory to provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state, as specified, and would provide that lead agencies may elect to adopt these suggested thresholds of significance. The bill would also require the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to post the technical advisory on its internet website.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. CEQA also requires a lead agency to prepare a mitigated negative declaration for a project that may have a significant effect on the environment if revisions in the project would avoid or mitigate that effect and there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, would have a significant effect on the environment.
CEQA requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, formerly named the Office of Planning and Research, to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. CEQA requires the guidelines to specifically include criteria for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment.
This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of the CEQA guidelines to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment when completing Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines. The bill would require the best practices to consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, specified state and federal environmental laws. The bill would authorize the office, in developing those guidelines, to consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.
Under existing law, the recommendation, continuous evaluation, and execution of statewide environmental goals, policies, and plans are included within the scope of the executive functions of the Governor. Existing law establishes the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in the Governors office for the purpose of serving the Governor and the Governors cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constituting the comprehensive state planning agency.
This bill would require, on or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The bill would require the technical advisory to provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state, as specified, and would provide that lead agencies may elect to adopt these suggested thresholds of significance. The bill would also require the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to post the technical advisory on its internet website.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.SECTION 1.Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21083.06.(a)On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency shall certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 21083, when completing Appendix G of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The best practices shall consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, all of the following:(1)The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) for greenhouse gas emissions.(2)The federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7401 et seq.) for vehicle miles traveled.(3)The California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) for noise pollution.(b)In developing guidelines pursuant to subdivision (a), the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.
SECTION 1. Section 21083.06 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.
21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.
21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following: (1) If the area is rural or urban.(2) The applicable air district.(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable. (5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.
21083.06. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall consult with regional, local, state, and federal agencies to develop a technical advisory on thresholds of significance for greenhouse gas and noise pollution effects on the environment to assist local agencies. The technical advisory shall provide suggested thresholds of significance for all areas of the state. In developing the suggested thresholds of significance for specific areas of the state, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consider all of the following:
(1) If the area is rural or urban.
(2) The applicable air district.
(3) Disadvantaged communities as designated by CalEnviroScreen.
(4) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) and the California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) as applicable.
(5) Any other factor relevant to determine the suggested threshold of significance for a specific area.
(b) Lead agencies may elect to adopt the suggested thresholds of significance provided in the technical advisory.
(c) The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall post the technical advisory prepared pursuant to this section on its internet website.
(a)On or before July 1, 2027, the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation shall prepare and develop, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency shall certify and adopt, guidelines in Appendix O of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations to establish best practices for public agencies to follow in determining whether or not a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 21083, when completing Appendix G of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 6 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The best practices shall consider, and include identifiable thresholds of significance based on, all of the following:
(1)The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code) for greenhouse gas emissions.
(2)The federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7401 et seq.) for vehicle miles traveled.
(3)The California Noise Control Act of 1973 (Division 28 (commencing with Section 46000) of the Health and Safety Code) for noise pollution.
(b)In developing guidelines pursuant to subdivision (a), the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation may consult with local, regional, state, and federal agencies that have authority and expertise on those subjects.