CA SB252

Exempts projects to underground powerlines from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, eliminating the need for environmental impact reports, negative declarations, or mitigated negative declarations for such projects

Adds Section 21080.08 to the Public Resources Code to establish this categorical exemption

Requires local agencies to determine whether projects qualify for the exemption, creating a state-mandated local program

No state reimbursement to local agencies is required because they have authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments to cover costs

Introduced by Senator Valladares on February 3, 2025; requires majority vote and fiscal committee review