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Committee advances AB 941 to speed review of high-priority transmission projects, proponents say it will lower costs
Summary
AB 941 would set timelines for CPUC review of certain priority transmission projects and other critical electric infrastructure; supporters say it will reduce permitting delays and ratepayer costs, opponents urged careful implementation to avoid undermining environmental review.
Assemblymember Zipper presented AB 941 as a targeted measure to shorten review timelines for high-priority transmission projects that planners say are necessary to meet California's renewable integration and decarbonization goals.
"By establishing these timelines, this reform ensures the agency and the applicant act with urgency in completing all necessary reviews," Zipper said, arguing the bill does not weaken CEQA standards or public participation.
Supporters included representatives of investor-owned utilities and clean-energy trade groups. Erica Martin of San Diego Gas & Electric told the committee that the bill would apply an accelerated 270-day timeline after an application is deemed complete and would not create exemptions from CEQA; instead it would require coordination and earlier preparation of environmental materials.
"This bill proposes a targeted straightforward measure to reduce delays for projects that are essential to the clean energy transition," Martin said.
John White of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CERT) and other clean-power advocates urged the committee that implementation should eliminate duplication in the process and that earlier front-loading of environmental work could speed review without sacrificing environmental safeguards.
A small number of environmental groups testified in respectful opposition, saying some projects need more scrutiny; labor groups and the State Building Trades testified in support, stressing that speeding approvals should not reduce worker protections or funding for transmission construction.
Committee members discussed whether the CPUC has enough staffing or whether prioritizing certain projects would displace other important work. Sponsor and supporters said the bill applies to a subset of projects identified by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and other eligibility criteria, and that agency reforms and applicant responsibilities should alleviate staffing burdens.
The committee voted to pass AB 941 as amended to Natural Resources. The motion was moved by Assemblymember Rogers and seconded by Assemblymember Schultz; the roll call in committee showed 15 yeas and 0 nays.
