COVID Recovery Legislation: Fast Track Projects. Bypass Environmental Reviews.

Where: California

What? California Legislature passed a COVID Reform bill, SB 288 (2020 | CA) that allows ENVIRONMENTAL reviews to be skipped. Adieu preconceived notions.

What is the goal of SB 288? To promote projects that could cut down driving & reduce carbon emissions

What did the bill’s author say? “SB 288 will help get our economy back on track, create jobs, and improve our sustainable transportation infrastructure.””

Specifically what type of transit projects would get to skip environmental review?

• Bus lines
• transit stations
• biking and walking projects
• facility repairs
• electric-vehicle charging stations
• Construction projects not meeting minimum parking requirements

How long will the project fast track last? 2 years

San Francisco Chronicle via Governing | California Legislature Approves Speedy Sustainability Bill