Daily Journal: SB 131: CEQA exemptions expand for housing, infrastructure, water and clean energy projects

Sheri Bonstelle, partner in the Firm’s Government, Land Use, and Environmental groups, recently published an article in the Daily Journal, “SB 131: CEQA exemptions expand for housing, infrastructure, water and clean energy projects.”

In the article, Bonstelle examines California legislation SB 131, which creates a wide range of new, statutory exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for housing, water, clean energy, and infrastructure projects. The budget trailer bill was signed by the Governor and operative on June 30, 2025. SB 131 was largely based on Sen. Scott Wiener’s proposed SB 607 and includes the “near miss” provision for housing projects that almost quality for a CEQA exemption, but for a single condition.

Read the full Daily Journal article: CEQA exemptions expand for housing, infrastructure, water and clean energy projects (subscription required).