AB 3265 (Bryan) (Chapter 255, Statutes of 2024)

This bill would add PRC Section 21168.6.6 to establish a streamlined CEQA litigation process for qualifying “environmental leadership media campus projects” in cities within Los Angeles County. Qualifiers include:

• The project will result in an investment of at least 1 billion dollars in California upon completion.

• The project will obtain certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold standard or better from the United States Green Building Council.

• The project will result in a 15-percent or greater reduction in vehicle miles traveled compared to existing development consistent with the Office of Planning and Research’s technical advisory on evaluating transportation impacts in CEQA and at least 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions reduction necessary to achieve net zero emissions.

• The project does not result in any net additional greenhouse gas emissions, including, but not limited to, from employee transportation. A project is deemed to meet the requirements of this paragraph if the project applicant demonstrates to the lead agency that the project applicant has a binding commitment that it will mitigate impacts resulting from the greenhouse gas emissions.

• The project will generate at least 1,000 jobs during construction.

• The project creates high-wage, highly skilled jobs that pay prevailing wages and living wages, and employs a skilled and trained workforce.