6. California Environmental Quality Act
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Rule 2.4 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules), we must consider the environmental consequences of projects that are subject to our discretionary approval.9 Thus, we must consider whether approval of this application will alter an approved project, result in new projects or change operations in ways that have an environmental impact.
This decision does not authorize any capital expenditures or construction projects. New construction projects which PG&E intends to finance via this application should undergo a CEQA review as early as feasible in the planning process, as required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15004(b). Ongoing projects have already been subject to any necessary CEQA review undertaken prior to PG&E receiving a certificate of public convenience and necessity or permit to construct. To the extent capital expenditures are financed with the proceeds of the long-term debt and preferred stock issued pursuant to this decision, CEQA review should occur as needed through the regulatory processes applicable to each capital project.
9 Pub. Resources Code Section 21080.
