CA AB2038

Amends Section 21082.2 of the Public Resources Code to clarify standards for determining whether a project may have a significant environmental effect based on substantial evidence in the whole record.

Specifies that public controversy over environmental effects alone does not require preparation of an environmental impact report without substantial evidence of significant environmental impact.

Defines what does not constitute substantial evidence, including speculation, unsubstantiated opinion, clearly inaccurate evidence, and social or economic impacts unrelated to physical environmental impacts.

Establishes that substantial evidence includes facts, reasonable assumptions based on facts, and expert opinion supported by facts.

Makes nonsubstantive grammatical changes replacing "which" with "that" in relevant statutory language.