Transmission Siting and Environmental Permitting

The Transmission Siting and Environmental Permitting Section (Siting Section) conducts and manages environmental reviews for the Commission's consideration. Environmental reviews are conducted pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), where the CPUC is a lead or responsible agency, and as further specified by the Commission's CEQA-related rules. The Siting Section also administers mitigation monitoring plans and participates in other agencies' review of investor-owned utility-related projects. The Permitting Section is part of the CPUC's Energy Division

Permitting Rules and Regulations

Investor-owned utilities are required to obtain a permit from the CPUC for construction of certain specified infrastructure listed under Public Utilities Code sections 1001. The CPUC reviews permit applications under two concurrent processes: (1) an environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and (2) the review of project need and costs pursuant to Public Utilties Code (PU Code) sections 1001 et seq. and General Order (G.O.) 131-D (Certification of Public Necessity and Convenience (CPCN) or Permit to Construct (PTC)). Below are resources for permit applicants and public parties interest in participating in CPUC's environmental review and/or the CPUC's economic and need assessment for a particular project.

CPUC General Order (G.O) 131-D
CEQA Information and Criteria List - April 2007
EMFs
CPUC Rules of Practice and Procedure
Public Utilties Code requirements (Basis for granting CPCN)

CPUC Guidance on the Permitting Process

Executive Director's Streamlining Directive
General Guidance for Filing a CPCN/PTC application with the CPUC Docket Office - June 2009
Presentation on "General Information on Permitting Electric Transmission Projects" - June 2009
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) Process:
A Step-by-Step Guide - August 2008
Overview of Electric Transmission Siting at the California Public Utilities Commission - January 2009
Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA) Checklist - Transmission - November 2008 Word | PDF
Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA) Checklist - Natural Gas - November 2008 Word | PDF
Additional Federal, State, and Local Permits Likely to be Required (In addition to the CPCN or PTC) - June 2009
Who's Permitting Investor-Owned Utility Infrastructure (Cities and Counties) - TBP