What is a Certified Regulatory Program?
California Public Resources Code 21080.5 allows public agencies with regulatory programs to prepare a plan or other written document in lieu of an environmental impact report once the Secretary of the Resources Agency has certified the regulatory program. Under its certified regulatory program, the AQMD prepares substitute Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) or negative declarations, which are called environmental assessments (EAs). The AQMD s regulatory program was certified by the Secretary of the Resources Agency on March 1, 1989, and is codified as AQMD Rule 110. Regulatory programs apply to agencies who adopt or approve standards, rules, regulations or plans, or involve the issuance of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement of use.
