California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: electric utility distribution and transmission system facilities: undergrounding and insulation.
- Exempts electric utility undergrounding projects from environmental review through July 2027.
- Establishes a state working group to study costs and develop plans for underground power line conversion.
- Requires submission of a comprehensive utility undergrounding investment plan by July 2027.
- Maintains environmental review requirements for projects in sensitive ecological areas.
Senator Choi's proposal to streamline underground conversion of electric utility infrastructure temporarily exempts these projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review while establishing a framework to study their costs and effectiveness. The exemption applies to projects converting overhead distribution and transmission facilities to underground systems or adding insulation, except in environmentally sensitive areas.
The California Public Utilities Commission must form a working group to analyze undergrounding and insulation costs, compile utility wildfire mitigation reports, and develop an investment strategy. By July 2027, this group will submit recommendations to the Legislature focusing on fire prevention in high-risk zones, including very high fire hazard severity zones, Wildland Urban Interface areas, and state forests. The CEQA exemption expires upon submission of this plan or July 2027, whichever comes first.
Local agencies retain authority to levy fees covering costs associated with implementing the program, with no state reimbursement required. The provisions establishing the working group and its duties sunset on January 1, 2031.
 Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Shannon GroveR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Steven ChoiR Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Henry SternD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | PASS |
- Exempts electric utility undergrounding projects from environmental review through July 2027.
- Establishes a state working group to study costs and develop plans for underground power line conversion.
- Requires submission of a comprehensive utility undergrounding investment plan by July 2027.
- Maintains environmental review requirements for projects in sensitive ecological areas.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Choi's proposal to streamline underground conversion of electric utility infrastructure temporarily exempts these projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review while establishing a framework to study their costs and effectiveness. The exemption applies to projects converting overhead distribution and transmission facilities to underground systems or adding insulation, except in environmentally sensitive areas.
The California Public Utilities Commission must form a working group to analyze undergrounding and insulation costs, compile utility wildfire mitigation reports, and develop an investment strategy. By July 2027, this group will submit recommendations to the Legislature focusing on fire prevention in high-risk zones, including very high fire hazard severity zones, Wildland Urban Interface areas, and state forests. The CEQA exemption expires upon submission of this plan or July 2027, whichever comes first.
Local agencies retain authority to levy fees covering costs associated with implementing the program, with no state reimbursement required. The provisions establishing the working group and its duties sunset on January 1, 2031.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | PASS |
Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Shannon GroveR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Steven ChoiR Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Henry SternD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |