On August 6, 2014 the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) released the preliminary discussion draft of updates to the CEQA Guidelines implementing SB 743 (Steinberg) for comments.  The draft addresses the evaluation of transportation impacts under CEQA, and identifies Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as generally the most appropriate measure of transportation impacts.  While the draft does not set thresholds, it does develop guidelines for determining the significance of transportation impacts.  It also specifies that automobile delay is not a significant effect on the environment.  This proposal does not affect a jurisdiction’s ability to maintain the option of using Level of Service (LOS) under their police powers in general plans, zoning codes, and fee programs.  OPR is accepting comments through October 09, 2014. 

The OPR power point presentation given at its Local Government Roundtable can be accessed here.  A copy of the preliminary discussion draft can be accessed here.  RCRC staff is requesting member county comments on the proposed amendments.  Please contact RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate Mary Pitto at (916) 447-4806 or mpitto@rcrcnet.org with any questions, concerns, and/or comments.