BILL ANALYSIS
------------------------------------------------------------
|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 686|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
|1020 N Street, Suite 524 | |
|(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | |
|327-4478 | |
------------------------------------------------------------
CONSENT
Bill No: SB 686
Author: DeSaulnier (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE ENV. QUALITY COMMITTEE : 7-0, 4/20/09
AYES: Simitian, Runner, Ashburn, Corbett, Hancock,
Lowenthal, Pavley
SUBJECT : California Environmental Quality Act
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill clarifies that the Office of Planning
and Research review of each request to add or delete a
class of exempt projects under the California Environmental
Quality Act, and submittal of the request to the Secretary
of the Natural Resource Agency, must also be in accordance
with 21083 and 21084 of the Public Resources Code and
changes references from the "Resources Agency" to the
"Natural Resources Agency."
ANALYSIS : The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) contains provisions relating to preparation and
revision of the CEQA guidelines (21083) and adding an
exempt project to the guidelines (21084). CEQA also
authorizes a public agency to request adding or deleting
such a categorical exemption. A guidelines amendment
regarding such a request must be adopted in accordance with
those provisions. This bill clarifies that the Office of
CONTINUED
SB 686
Page
2
Planning and Research's review and recommendation of such a
request must similarly be in accordance with those
provisions. This bill also appropriately references the
Natural Resources Agency, rather than the Resources Agency.
Background
According to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee,
CEQA provides a process for evaluating the environmental
effects of a project, and includes statutory exemptions, as
well as categorical exemptions in the CEQA guidelines. If
a project is not exempt from CEQA, an initial study is
prepared to determine whether a project may have s
significant effect on the environment. If the initial
study shows that there is not a significant effect on the
environment, the lead agency must prepare a negative
declaration. If the initial study show that the project
there will be a significant effect on the environment, the
lead agency must prepare an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR). Generally, an EIR must accurately describe the
proposes project, identify and analyze each significant
environmental impact expected to result form the proposed
project, identify mitigation measures to reduce those
impacts to the extent feasible, and evaluate a range of
reasonable alternatives to the proposed project. Prior to
approving any project that has received environmental
review, an agency must make certain findings. If
mitigation measures are required or incorporated into a
project, the agency must adopt a reporting or monitoring
program to ensure compliance with those measures.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
DLW:do 4/22/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
**** END ****