Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for Governor Newsom’s Trailer Bill Language proposal on Forest Health CEQA and NEPA Streamlining.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
As part of the 2022-23 State budget process, Governor Newsom proposed certain trailer bill language relating to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions for forest health management. The language would eliminate the redundant and time-consuming CEQA environmental review process associated with fuels management programs on federally administered lands in the County.
Fifty percent of El Dorado County consists of federally managed lands. Fuels and forest management programs on federal lands require compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal laws, but because additional California State agencies have permitting authority on federal lands (e.g., State Water Resources Control Board or California Department of Fish and Wildlife), CEQA requirements must also be satisfied, requiring additional years of unneeded environmental and public review processes.
Streamlining and expediting forest fuels management projects on federal lands are critical to reducing and avoiding future Angora Fire and Caldor Fire impacts to residences in the County. These projects are of benefit to the County by improving water quality and supply, protecting County roads and recreation and water supply infrastructure, and reducing the human economic and health impacts associated with catastrophic fires.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to sign the letter of support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
El Dorado County Water Agency
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the County to issue the letter of support.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair's signature on the letter. Return to CAO for distribution to legislative leadership.
STRATEGIC PLAN...
Click here for full text