Plain English Breakdown
The official summary confirms the change applies to plan approvals but does not detail if other parts of the undergrounding process are affected by CEQA.
Expedited Underground Power Line Program
This law states that approving plans to move power lines underground is not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.
What This Bill Does
- Specifies that approval of an undergrounding plan is not a 'project' for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Who It Names or Affects
- Large electrical corporations
- The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
- The Public Utilities Commission
Terms To Know
- Expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program
- A required program for large electrical corporations to move power lines underground.
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- State law that applies environmental rules to projects, which this bill excludes from plan approvals.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official text does not state when the change will take effect.
- The bill only changes how CEQA applies; it relies on existing laws for other program steps like cost review and safety approval.