The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) recently released a preliminary list of topic areas it will consider when updating the State CEQA Guidelines in 2014. Some of the areas identified include: alternatives to using level-of-service (LOS) standards for determining traffic impacts; designation of lead agencies by agreement; regulatory standards for determining significant impacts; requirements for findings on project alternatives and feasibility; and clarifying when a project is “within the scope” of a project EIR.

OPR is soliciting input now through February 14 on whether the topics identified are appropriate for an upcoming update, and whether there are important topics that OPR failed to identify. As one of the groups that will have to comply with any new regulations, California public agencies should consider submitting their comments to OPR.

Agencies wishing to providing input should send comments to CEQA.Guidelines@ceres.ca.gov or by hardcopy to Christopher Calfee, Senior Counsel, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, 1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. For more information, see www.opr.ca.gov.