California Proposes Permitting Reforms

May 24, 2023 – According to the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association, last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued broad proposals to expedite permitting for infrastructure projects. The package of reforms include an executive order and 11 legislative changes. The executive order, which takes effect immediately, creates an Infrastructure Strike Team for projects with significant challenges; a Task Force to assist with approvals and agreements; and a collaboration to expedite clean energy and zero-emission vehicle projects. The legislative portion would slim down the administrative record process, impose a 9-month limit for legal challenges, expedite environmental mitigation for transportation projects, expand job order contracting and progressive design build authority for transportation projects, reform species protection, and several specific reform measures for the Delta Tunnel, rail, wildlife crossings and access to federal funds.