An act to add Section 21080.74 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality.
Summary
AB 2132 would create a new exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for certain groundwater recharge projects. Under the bill, a project would be exempt if the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency determines that the project would address subsidence, which generally refers to land sinking caused by groundwater depletion or other geologic conditions. In practical terms, this would allow qualifying recharge projects to move forward without the usual CEQA environmental review process, such as preparing an environmental impact report, negative declaration, or mitigated negative declaration.
The bill is framed as an environmental and water-management measure tied to the state’s groundwater sustainability efforts. It is intended to streamline projects that replenish groundwater supplies while also helping reduce or prevent subsidence in affected basins. The bill also states that no state reimbursement is required for any local costs associated with the measure, even though the Legislative Counsel notes it could impose a state-mandated local program because local agencies would have to determine whether a project qualifies for the exemption.
Impact
AB 2132 would add Section 21080.74 to the Public Resources Code and carve out a narrow CEQA exemption for groundwater recharge projects that are certified by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency as addressing subsidence. This would reduce environmental review requirements for qualifying projects and could speed permitting and implementation of groundwater recharge infrastructure, especially in high- and medium-priority basins managed under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The bill would affect lead agencies, project proponents, and local governments involved in approving or carrying out such projects.
Sentiment
The available record shows little formal debate or voting history, so overall sentiment is best characterized as neutral to supportive on its face. The bill’s purpose suggests an emphasis on facilitating water-supply and subsidence-mitigation projects, which is typically viewed favorably by water managers and local agencies seeking faster project delivery. However, because no committee transcript or vote details are provided, there is no documented opposition or consensus beyond the bill’s introduction and pending status.
Contention
The main point of contention is the CEQA exemption itself. Supporters would likely view the exemption as a targeted way to accelerate groundwater recharge projects that help address subsidence and improve water resilience, while critics may be concerned that removing CEQA review could reduce environmental scrutiny of projects that may still have local impacts. Another potential issue is the administrative determination by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, since the bill gives that official the gatekeeping role in deciding whether a project qualifies for the exemption. The bill also flags a possible state-mandated local program, although it attempts to avoid reimbursement obligations by declaring that local agencies can fund the mandate through fees or assessments.
An act to amend Sections 21084, 21180, and 21183.6 of, and to add Section Sections 21061.6 and 21080.06 to, the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality.
California Environmental Quality Act: environmental leadership development projects: water storage, water conveyance, and groundwater recharge projects: streamlined review.