California’s Major New Infrastructure Proposal

In brief

California Governor Newsom announced a legislative package intended to facilitate, streamline, and expedite the implementation of transportation projects, renewable energy projects, water storage projects and other projects that will help the state meet its economic, climate, and social goals.

In detail

California Governor Newsom announced in May a legislative package of ten bills that are intended to streamline permitting, expedite court review and decrease CEQA litigation timeframes, and speed up construction of certain projects that will help the state meet its transportation, renewable energy, water storage and similar goals. These proposals are principally aimed at helping California deploy approximately $180 billion toward critical infrastructure and climate projects over the next decade, although private projects will likely benefit as well.

Governor Newsom and legislative leaders announced in June a follow-on package of five bills that would speed up CEQA lawsuits for certain large projects, including solar energy projects and reservoirs, as well as relax California Endangered Species Act protections for a number of species.

The bills are still in negotiation following initial opposition to proposed CEQA reforms in particular.

Governor Newsom’s announcement regarding the infrastructure package can be viewed here, and legislative analyses of the June follow-on bills can be viewed here.