Administrative
Report
P.1., File # 25-0203 Meeting Date: 2/11/2025
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL’S POLICY POSITION ON CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL (SB) 71 (WIENER) WHICH SEEKS TO MAKE PERMANENT THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTIONS FOR ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS NOW GRANTED ON A TEMPORARY BASIS UNDER SB 288
DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE PREPARATION OF A LETTER AND/OR RESOLUTION ARTICULATING THE COUNCIL’S POSITION ON THE BILL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
California Senate Bill 71 (SB 71) was introduced on January 14, 2025 by State Senator Scott Wiener and seeks to exempt active transportation and public transportation infrastructure projects from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Currently, these projects are temporarily exempted through 2029 under Senate Bill 288 (SB 288), which was adopted in 2020. On January 21, 2025, the City Council made a referral to staff requesting that an item be prepared allowing the Council to discuss whether or not to take a position on SB 71.
Permanent removal of CEQA review of qualifying transportation projects could have long-lasting effects that reduce the City’s ability to oppose projects on the grounds that they will have detrimental impacts to the environment and the community. This item provides Council the opportunity to discuss SB 71 and provide direction to staff on the preparation of a letter and/or resolution reflecting the Council’s position on the bill.
ATTACHMENTS
· California Senate Bill 71
· California Senate Bill 288
· Draft Letter of Opposition to Senate Bill 71