CA AB3238

Designates the Public Utilities Commission as the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for electrical infrastructure projects requiring discretionary approval under Section 1001 or General Order 131-D.

Requires applicants to prepare environmental documents (environmental impact reports, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, or exemption analyses) under commission supervision, with the commission taking independent responsibility for the final environmental document.

Establishes a 270-day timeline for the commission to certify environmental documents and approve projects, with extensions available for recirculation, substantial project changes, new significant information, or Department of Fish and Wildlife or State Water Resources Control Board consultation needs.

Limits alternative analysis for projects approved by the Independent System Operator's transmission plan to alternative routes or locations, and allows the commission to incorporate Independent System Operator findings regarding project objectives and benefits in its environmental review.

Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2035.