CA SB1070

Requires cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to adopt a comprehensive environmental justice element in their general plans by September 30, 2020 (or by the next housing element revision/January 1, 2023, whichever is sooner) that identifies disadvantaged communities, assesses unique health risks, and establishes goals and policies to address them.

Mandates meaningful community involvement through a public engagement plan adopted before drafting the environmental justice element, including at least three public meetings in disadvantaged communities, translated notices, interpreters, and an dedicated internet webpage with all materials and public comments.

Requires the environmental justice element to include a detailed program with specific meaningful actions, implementation deadlines, and performance metrics to reduce pollution exposure, improve access to public facilities and healthy food, advance climate resilience, and prevent economic displacement in disadvantaged communities.

Prohibits the Director of State Planning and Research from granting time extensions for preparation of environmental justice elements (except for newly incorporated cities or counties), similar to existing restrictions on housing element extensions.

Creates a state-mandated local program with no state reimbursement required because local agencies have authority to levy fees or assessments to fund the program.