Senator Atkins’ Legislation to Streamline Important Projects for San Diego Region Passes Legislature

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Bill 1342 passed the Senate on a 39-0 concurrence vote and will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The bill, authored by Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), would streamline two critical energy and water projects, the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility project and the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“SB 1342 will help facilitate timely completion of important projects for the San Diego region by securing their inclusion in last year’s Infrastructure Streamlining Package,” said Pro Tem Emeritus Atkins. “This measure ensures that the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility project and future projects associated with the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant will receive streamlined CEQA review so they can be up and running on schedule.”

Senate Bill 1342 would extend and expand the provisions of last summer’s Infrastructure Streamlining Package (SB 149, Chapter 60, Statutes of 2023) to help expedite the analysis, approvals, and construction of the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility and the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant projects. These much-needed projects will promote clean energy, reduce coastal sewage pollution, and create jobs and economic investment. This legislation significantly reduces the time for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental reviews and approvals without weakening environmental protections or environmental enforcement.

SB 1342 enjoyed bipartisan support and was coauthored by Senators and Assemblymembers from the San Diego region. 

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore Emeritus of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins