Co-sponsored by the California Transit Association, SB 922 (Wiener) To help California meet its climate goals
SACRAMENTO, Calif., October 1, 2022 Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 922, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and co-sponsored by the California Transit Association, Bay Area Council, SPUR, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and LA Metro. The legislation expands the provision of SB 288 (Wiener, 2020) by extending statutory exemptions to CEQA for transportation projects that significantly advance the state’s climate, public safety, and public health objectives. The Association issued the following statement applauding the signing of today’s bill:
“Over the past few decades, the CEQA has been abused to delay or halt common-sense, climate-friendly transportation projects, undermining efforts to deliver a cleaner transportation network and environmental benefits,” said Michael Pimentel, executive director of the California Transit Association. “With the signing of SB 922, local transit and transportation agencies will continue to accelerate the path to safer streets, cleaner air, and fairer transportation solutions for all Californians. By expanding and accelerating CEQA exemptions for sustainable transport, we will unlock the bus, light rail, bicycle and pedestrian projects that California Needs. The timing couldn’t be more critical with historic levels of state, federal and local funding for the delivery of the ongoing project. Association applauds Governor Newsom, author of the bill and climate champion senator Scott Wienerand the strong bipartisan support of the state legislature to ensure that this legislation can help California achieve its climate goals.
The California Transit Association is made up of more than 240 member organizations, including all of the state’s largest urban transit operators, as well as dozens of transit agencies in suburban and rural areas. Its membership also extends to commuter rail agencies, transit support groups, national and international transit providers, and government agencies. The Association is the leading advocate for public transit in Californiarepresenting transit interests before the California State Legislature, Governor, and regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
CONTACT
Virginia Drake
Director of Public Affairs and Communications
California Transportation Association
E-mail: [email protected]
SOURCE California Transit Association