Judicial Streamlining
CEQA judicial streamlining managed by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research through SB 7, Environmental Leadership Development Projects, and SB 149, Infrastructure Streamlining.
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research’s (OPR’s) judicial streamlining programs, as specified by SB 7 and SB 149, include the certification process for Environmental Leadership Development Projects and infrastructure streamlining for certain projects. OPR’s Judicial Streamlining processes are a part of California’s work to accelerate construction of infrastructure and other projects critical to delivering on the state’s ambitious climate agenda while ensuring transparency and accountability of these projects.
On May 20, 2021, the Governor signed SB 7 (Atkins, 2021), which authorized a new judicial streamlining program and took effect immediately. This program authorizes the Governor to certify projects investing over $100 million in the California economy or providing affordable housing so long as they meet heightened environmental and labor standards. Certified projects receive expedited judicial review for any lawsuits filed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
On July 10, 2023, as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the Governor signed SB 149 (2023). OPR will oversee judicial streamlining under SB 149 for certain infrastructure projects. This builds on OPR’s existing role in streamlining Environmental Leadership Development Projects under SB 7.