California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday that will streamline infrastructure construction timelines as well as modernize the state’s transportation system, officials said.
The legislation represents a push by Newsom to take advantage of $180 billion in state, local and federal infrastructure funding over the next decade; spending the governor said would support the state’s climate and clean energy goals while creating up to 400,000 good-paying jobs.
“For decades, infrastructure projects critical to our future have stalled because of a pervasive mindset of ‘no,’” Newsom said. “With this legislation, California is saying ‘yes’ to building the clean energy, safe drinking water and transportation projects we need to deliver on our world-leading climate action. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and build California’s future.”
Streamlining permitting, cutting red tape and allowing state agencies to use new project delivery methods will maximize taxpayer dollars, the governor said, and accelerate timelines for projects across the state while ensuring they get appropriate environmental review.
“This year, we were faced with challenge and opportunity — the challenge of a tough economy and needing to protect California’s progress with our budget, and the opportunity to streamline and build the infrastructure our state needs for the future,” state Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) said. “We have passed a responsible, equitable budget and finalized a legislative package on infrastructure that maintains California’s values on the environment and climate preparedness, while at the same time builds for our future and creates a place where working families can access quality jobs.”
The legislation will speed up construction, expedite court reviews, accelerate permitting for certain projects, address processes for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to streamline procedures and document collection, and maximize federal dollars through a Green Bank Financing Program.