CA AB2438

Exempts recycled water pipeline projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements if the project is less than 8 miles in length and located within a public street, highway, or right-of-way, including construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of pipelines.

Requires lead agencies to hold a noticed public hearing to consider and adopt mitigation measures for traffic impacts before determining exemption eligibility.

Mandates lead agencies to file a notice of exemption with the Office of Planning and Research and county clerk offices within 20 days of project approval, with county clerks required to post notices within 24 hours.

Prohibits exemption from applying to projects exceeding 8 miles, projects adjacent to other exempted projects, projects in resource areas or protected habitats, or projects involving excavation exceeding one-half mile in length at any one time.

Exemption expires on January 1, 2020, unless extended by later legislation; requires compliance with all applicable state and local laws including water reclamation regulations.