CA AB1855

Expands CEQA exemptions for passenger rail projects by removing the requirement that trains be exclusively zero-emission or certified Tier 4 or cleaner, allowing projects that simply use such equipment

Changes location requirements so only the mainline rail must be within existing rail or highway right-of-way, rather than the entire project

Creates new exception allowing projects in serious, severe, or extreme nonattainment areas for particulate matter and ozone if the project provides new daily passenger rail service between termini more than 5 miles apart and runs parallel to a state or interstate highway corridor

Applies to projects where no passenger rail service exists as of January 1, 2027

Exemption expires January 1, 2040, consistent with existing CEQA transit exemption sunset date