California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 25308.5

(a) On or before July 1, 2025, the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall jointly develop an electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook that describes the state's electrical transmission infrastructure planning and permitting processes conducted by the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator.

(b) In developing the electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook, the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall make a reasonable and good faith effort to consult with all relevant local, state, tribal, and federal agencies.

(c) The electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook shall include a description of the different stages of electrical transmission infrastructure development, an analysis of the average timeframes for electrical transmission infrastructure planning and permitting by the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator, clearly identify and describe the roles, responsibilities, and decisionmaking authority of federal agencies and state agencies, including the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator, and include interfaces with federal agencies, including timing, sequence, and coordination with federal permitting agencies, and coordination between reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)) and the federal National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4321 et seq.).

(d) The commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall provide an opportunity for stakeholder input in the development and communication of the electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook and an opportunity for public comment on a draft electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook.

(e) For purposes of this section, “electrical transmission infrastructure” means electrical transmission facilities and equipment used to convey electricity from an electrical generation facility or energy storage system to the electrical distribution system or transmission-voltage load.

(f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.