Senate Bill 319 (McGuire, Chapter 399, Statutes of 2023) directs the California Energy Commission (CEC), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Independent System Operator (California ISO) to jointly prepare an electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook that describes the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure planning and permitting processes they conduct. The guidebook describes the different stages of transmission infrastructure development and analysis of average time frames for planning and permitting.
The guidebook also clearly describes the roles, responsibilities, and decision making authority of federal and state agencies, including interfaces with federal and state agencies and the timing, sequence, and coordination with federal agencies for reviews required under the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Consistent with SB 319, the joint agencies and California ISO made a reasonable and good faith effort to consult with relevant local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and provide an opportunity for stakeholder input in developing the guidebook and an opportunity for public comment on the draft guidebook.
Author(s)
Melissa Jones, Jim Bartridge, Seina Soufiani, Eddie Dale, Michelle Wilson, Alice Kilduff, Cristy Sanada
