F. CEQA Compliance
The California Environmental Policy Act (CEQA) requires that public agencies prepare an environmental impact report whenever the discretionary approval of a proposed project may cause significant adverse impacts on the environment.31 Certain classes of activities have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and are exempt from CEQA.32 One of these categorical exemptions applies to the operation, repair, and maintenance of existing electric power generation facilities. We believe the adoption of the accompanying GO, since it pertains to operations and maintenance at these electric power-generating facilities, is exempt from CEQA.33 Moreover, to the extent these standards apply to a new facility, that facility will be subject to applicable CEQA review when development of the facility is proposed. We ask the Executive Director to file a notice of exemption indicating this determination.
31 Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21002.1 (West 2003). 32 CEQA Guidelines, Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 15300 (2003). 33 Id. § 15301(b).
