[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

Every year the California Legislature hears new legislation related to the California Environmental Quality Act or CEQA. This law allows public agencies to make informed decisions about the health and environmental impacts of proposed new projects. CEQA requires public agencies to review the environmental impacts of proposed projects, and if there are significant impacts, to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR), which considers feasible alternatives and mitigation measures that would reduce adverse environmental effects. The law also gives local citizens a chance to participate in the process.

Most bills introduced in the legislature seek to streamline the CEQA process or carve out special exemptions for various types of projects. Last year, for example Senate Republicans held the state budget up trying to tie the hands of the Attorney General in enforcing this basic environmental law. This year however, SB 1165 by Senator Sheila Kuehl, seeks to strengthen the statute and actually enhance public participation

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Traci Sheehan
Executive Director
Planning and Conservation League

Two of PCL's top priority pieces of legislation face their first committee challenge at the state Capitol Monday afternoon.

AB 2153 (Krekorian) the Water Efficiency Security Act will be heard in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. This important water efficiency and conservation measure requires developers to fully mitigate any additional water demand from their development in order to secure the water supply reliability of existing residents. Last week, the Sacramento Bee noted the importance of this bill and AB 2175 (Laird/Feuer) in meeting California's water needs.

By supporting AB 2153 on Monday, the Legislature has the opportunity to advance the discussion regarding the Governor's recent call for a 20 percent per capita reduction in California water use.

by Lucas O'Connor [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]