Moraga councilmember reports testifying on AB 66 seeking CEQA exemptions for high-fire-risk, single-access areas

Councilmember Carrie told the Town of Moraga Town Council on July 9 that she had provided testimony last week to the state Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Assembly Bill 66, a measure the councilmember described as providing limited CEQA exemptions for areas that are at very high risk of wildfire and have only one way in and one way out.

“I did highlight 1 for the committee, which was, Bollinger Canyon and, highlighted as a as 1 that would fit the criteria that was identified by the bill,” Councilmember Carrie said. She told the council the bill passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on a 7‑0 vote and was scheduled to go next to a natural resources committee before the full Senate floor consideration.

The councilmember said the bill allows for “local fire jurisdictions of responsibility to identify those areas,” and that the California League of Cities has endorsed the measure. She added that the town “may consider endorsing as well in the future.”

The transcript indicates the testimony was submitted in writing (“in the packets is testimony that I provided last week”), and the councilmember framed Bollinger Canyon as an example that meets the bill’s criteria. The meeting record does not show any formal council action to endorse AB 66 at this session, nor did it include details of the proposed statutory text, specific CEQA exemptions, or the exact next committee hearing date.

If the council chooses to pursue a formal endorsement in the future, staff-level follow-up would be required to place an endorsement item on a public agenda and transmit any official letter to the Legislature.