On September 27, 2024 Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2503, which exempts electric rail projects within existing rights-of-way for passenger service from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Based on the experience of years of delay via CEQA lawsuit Caltrain experienced and the aborted attempts by other agencies to electrify due to perceived CEQA risk, CER knew that de-risking common sense low impact rail electrification projects was a precondition to achieving its goal.
CER extends its deep appreciation to Assemblymember Alex Lee, sponsors Streets for All and California Transit Association and the many mobility advocates that spoke up to support AB 2503.
Reforming how rail electrification is treated under environmental review is only the first step. With this victory CER looks forward to addressing state capacity to regulate and deliver a rail electrification program as well as the crucial funding and financing needed to truly decarbonize our rail network with gold-standard overhead line electrification. With AB 2503 in our toolbox, we will be ramping up the pressure on regional rail agencies like Metrolink and Capitol Corridor to commit to fast, clean, green overhead electrification.