CA SB1451

Requires alleged grounds for CEQA noncompliance to be presented during the public comment period or, if grounds were unknown and could not have been known through reasonable diligence, prior to close of the public hearing before notice of determination is issued.

Limits standing to challenge a project to persons who objected during the public comment period or, if no public comment period was provided, prior to close of the public hearing before notice of determination is filed.

Extends indefinitely the requirement that organizations formed after project approval cannot maintain legal action unless a member objected and presented grounds for noncompliance to the public agency (previously set to expire January 1, 2016).

Provides exception allowing challenges to projects where the public comment period expired but project approval was not granted by January 1, 2015, using the prior law requirements.

Does not apply restrictions to the Attorney General or to grounds for noncompliance where no public hearing was held or the agency failed to provide required notice.