On May 19, Governor Newsom released a legislative package of 11 bills and signed an executive order with the intent to move water, transportation and energy infrastructure projects forward more quickly through a proposed expedited permitting and review process.
“The only way to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals is to build, build, build – faster. This proposal is the most ambitious effort to cut red tape and streamline regulations in half a century. It’s time to make the most out of taxpayer dollars and deliver results while creating hundreds of thousands of good jobs,” Governor Newsom said.
The measures were introduced as trailer bills, which accompany the budget. The bills are now under consideration by legislators and must be approved by the State Legislature.
Ag Council and many advocacy organizations are reviewing the trailer bills meant to advance and build water, transportation and energy projects in the state, including desperately needed water storage.
The combined legislative package and executive order are written to:
• Streamline permitting;
• Reduce construction timeframes;
• Address unwieldy CEQA processes;
• Expedite judicial review; and
• Leverage and maximize federal funds
In a statement, State Senate GOP Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) said, “We remain eager to collaborate with the governor and our colleagues across the aisle in a bipartisan manner to fix California with solutions that address our state’s myriad issues ranging from homelessness to housing to water infrastructure.”
To read more in the governor’s announcement, please click here.