California Streets and Highways Code

§ 158.2

SHC § 158.2 Effective Jan 1, 2023Div. 1 · Ch. 1 · Art. 3.8

Statute text

(a)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), for any project on the state highway system located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after July 1, 2025, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity for target species in the connectivity area based on criteria developed in collaboration with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the department shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.

(2)As part of the assessment, the department shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, as determined by the department, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(3)The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.

…

Legislative history

Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 964, Sec. 2. (AB 2344) Effective January 1, 2023.