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Goal D Accelerate state processes to support implementation of nature-based climate solutions

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Priority

Accelerate state processes to support implementation of nature-based climate solutions

All Priority Goals

Actions

  • Action 1 Coordinate and guide prescribed fire and cultural fire activities and address the key barriers to its widespread use in California.

    Success Metric: Conduct research, develop guidance, and provide support, as needed, in development of air district template permit language. Deploy a system to streamline and clarify the regulatory processes, and fund prescribed and cultural fire on and off tribally owned lands with the goal of cutting the green tape.

    Timeframe: 2025 and ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in partnership with U.S. Forest Service and other federal, state, local and tribal governments | Environmental Protection Agency – Air Resources Board

    For More Details: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan; Beneficial Fire Strategy; Cutting Green Tape Initiative

    Success Metric: Develop and deploy cultural fire and burn boss trainings with California Native American tribes, and state and federal agencies.

    Timeframe: Ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in partnership with U.S. Forest Service and other federal, state, local and tribal governments | Environmental Protection Agency – Air Resources Board

    For More Details: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan; Beneficial Fire Strategy; Draft Statewide Prescribed Fire Strategic Plan

  • Action 2 Expedite permitting processes for wildfire and forest resilience projects using exemptions or the California Vegetation Treatment program.

    Success Metric: Wildfire resilience projects not stalled in environmental review: streamlined and consolidated environmental permitting for wildfire projects.

    Timeframe: Ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Board of Forestry

    For More Details: California Vegetation Treatment Program

  • Action 3 Accelerate permitting for groundwater recharge projects to capture peak flows for groundwater recharge.

    Success Metric: Increase in new groundwater recharge projects.

    Timeframe: Ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency – State Water Resources Control Board | Natural Resources Agency – Department of Water Resources, Delta Stewardship Council| Department of Food and Agriculture

    For More Details: State Water Board Division of Water Rights Groundwater Recharge Permits; Flood Managed Aquifer Recharge

  • Action 4 Align and improve permitting to help launch and incentivize more multi-benefit, multi-partner restoration projects that build water resilience.

    Success Metric: Accelerate pace and scale of multi-benefit, multi-partner restoration and water projects.

    Timeframe: Ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Water Resources, Delta Stewardship Council | Department of Food and Agriculture

    For More Details: California EcoRestore; Water Resilience Portfolio; Cutting the Green Tape Initiative; Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program; Delta Plan Ecosystem Targets

    Success Metric: Identify opportunities and a strategy for implementing regulatory alignment measures that reduce the administrative burden of regulatory compliance for agricultural producers and incentivize the use of climate smart agriculture practices.

    Timeframe: 2025

    Agency/Agencies: Department of Food and Agriculture | Environmental Protection Agency

    For More Details: Department of Agriculture Budget Highlights; CDFA and CalEPA Regulatory Alignment Study

  • Action 5 Streamline coastal permitting processes for nature-based solutions through pre-application coordination, programmatic approvals, consistent monitoring standards, regulatory reform, best available science, and agency leadership.

    Success Metric: Provide planning, permitting, and leasing guidance encouraging the use of nature-based solutions.

    Timeframe: 2026

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, Ocean Protection Council

    For More Details: Coastal Commission Strategic Plan 2021-2025

    Success Metric: Develop and launch educational resources for applicants about using nature-based solutions on state lands.

    Timeframe: 2027

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency - State Lands Commission

    For More Details: State Lands Commission

    Success Metric: Number of coastal restoration projects implemented through streamlined permitting options.

    Timeframe: 2025

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Fish and Wildlife

    For More Details: Cutting the Green Tape Initiative

  • Action 6 Expedite the regulatory approval process for appropriate large habitat restoration projects.

    Success Metric: Number of enrolled restoration projects implemented under the State Water Resources Control Board 2022 Statewide Restoration General Order.

    Timeframe: 2025

    Agency/Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency – State Water Resources Control Board

    For More Details: 401 Water Quality Certification and Wetlands Program; 2022 Statewide Restoration General Order

    Success Metric: Number of restoration permits issued for large habitat restoration projects as a result of streamlined permitting processes.

    Timeframe: Ongoing

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Fish and Wildlife

    For More Details: Cutting the Green Tape Initiative

    Success Metric: Establish multi-disciplinary technical support for expediting approvals and implementation of large habitat restoration projects.

    Timeframe: 2025

    Agency/Agencies: Natural Resources Agency – Department of Fish and Wildlife

    For More Details: Cutting the Green Tape Initiative

  • Action 7 Streamline and consolidate permit process for small and medium size organics recycling and composting facilities through pre-application coordination, programmatic approvals, consistent monitoring standards, statutory or regulatory reform, best available science, and agency leadership.

    Success Metric: Increase number of small and medium size organics recycling and composting facilities and provide planning and permit guidance.

    Timeframe: 2027

    Agency/Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency – Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, California Air Resources Board, State Water Resources Control Board, and Regional Water Boards and Air Districts

    For More Details: CalRecycle Organic Materials Management