Governor Allows Electronic Noticing Under CEQA and Suspends Tribal Consultation Requirements

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on April 22 suspending for 60 days (1) the filing, posting, notice, and public access requirements related to certain notices under the California Environmental Quality Act, and providing for electronic posting; and (2) certain aspects of the consultation process with Native American tribes. The executive order expressly states that the suspensions "do not apply to provisions governing the time for public review," so the order does not extend the deadlines for the public to submit comments on an environmental document. Executive Order N-54-20 (Apr. 22, 2020). Our complete update on the new order, by Cecily T. Barclay, Marc R. Bruner, Marie A. Cooper and Auria Maleksalehi is available here.