CA AB876

Exempts the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties from state environmental laws including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Fish and Game Code Chapter 6, and certain water quality discharge requirements, if specified criteria are met.

Requires the 2019 Final General Reevaluation Report and Integrated Environmental Assessment to serve as conclusive evidence of CEQA compliance for the project and any related permits, funding, or approvals.

Mandates the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board by March 1, 2024 regarding environmental impact avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.

Exemptions apply only if the project increases flood protection to disadvantaged communities (achieving 100-year flood protection in Watsonville and Pajaro), receives Engineering With Nature designation, incorporates habitat enhancements, and complies with water quality standards and construction best management practices.

Exemptions expire December 31, 2035, or upon completion of construction, whichever occurs first, and do not apply to ongoing or post-construction operations and maintenance.