CA SB1456

Allows lead agencies to exclude cumulative effects from later environmental impact reports if those effects were adequately addressed in prior environmental impact reports, applicable until January 1, 2016.

Establishes mediation procedures for CEQA noncompliance actions, allowing parties to request mediation within 5 business days of a notice of determination filed on or after July 1, 2011, with lead agency response required within 5 business days or mediation is deemed denied.

Authorizes courts to impose sanctions up to $10,000 for frivolous claims in CEQA actions filed on or before December 31, 2015, and allows the Attorney General to request expedited case schedules.

Requires organization members challenging projects to have objected to project approval in writing or orally, not just presented grounds for noncompliance, for actions brought until January 1, 2016.

Tolls all time limits during mediation proceedings conducted under the bill, with actions reactivated every 90 days unless parties settle or agree in writing to extend mediation.