SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday released a package of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reforms that his office said will simplify and expedite the approval process for key job-creating projects in California.

The Governor’s Office said the package is part of Brown’s ongoing efforts to spur job creation, streamline regulations and boost renewable energy.

“These reforms will fast-track key projects that put Californians to work,” said Governor Brown. “Like California, CEQA must be more nimble.”

The package of CEQA reforms was released Wednesday by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and provide the regulatory changes necessary to implement SB 226 (Simitian), which the governor signed last October.

Once these draft reforms are finalized, the Governor’s Office said they will simplify the approval process for infill projects by eliminating repetitive studies of environmental effects already addressed in other planning documents, such as general plans and zoning codes.

That will reportedly help reduce the time and cost often associated with infill projects, while also allowing cities to focus on new or unique projects that help create jobs, revitalize cities and promote transit.

SB 226 also removes hurdles to harnessing solar energy and growing green-collar jobs by exempting solar projects located on existing rooftops and parking lots.

Earlier this month, Gov. Brown issued proposed implementation guidelines for AB 900 (Buchanan), signed last September.

AB 900 sends CEQA litigation for certain large projects directly to the Court of Appeal and requires a decision on the merits in a short timeframe. The law also offers immediate help to projects that provide California with the most economic and environmental benefit.

Together, CEQA reforms in SB 226 and AB 900 will reduce repetitive documentation and expedite litigation timelines while preserving informed decision-making and mitigation of environmental harm, according to the Governor’s Office.

The SB 226 guidelines, released today, can be found at www.opr.ca.gov/s_sb266.php.

The AB 900 guidelines, released last month, can be found at http://opr.ca.gov/s_californiajobs.php.

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