385 North Arrowhead Avenue, 5th Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0120 Phone: 909.387.4821 Fax: 909.387.5430 Josh Candelaria Director June 3, 2020 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor of California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Governor Newsom, On behalf of the County of San Bernardino, we respectfully request a one-year extension to the implementation of the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of SB 743. As you are aware, SB 743 changes the way transportation impacts are identified under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In December 2018, the California Natural Resource Agency completed the rule making process to modify the CEQA guidelines for the implementation of SB 743, which includes applying VMT statewide. The incorporation of VMT is in addition to existing laws which require the quantification and mitigation of air quality impacts. The adoption of VMT will require residential developers to quantify how many miles individuals will drive, which has the potential to increase the cost of a housing development, with the greatest impact to housing developments in remote rural areas that are located farther away from job centers. While the County is committed to promoting environmental sustainability that strikes a balance with the local economy and connects communities through strategic investments and planned development, the implementation of SB 743 comes at a time when the State is facing a housing shortage and significant economic uncertainty. For the above reasons, the County of San Bernardino respectfully requests a one-year extension of the VMT implementation that was part of Senate Bill 743. Should you have any questions regarding the County’s request, please contact Josh Candelaria, Governmental and Legislative Affairs Director, at 909 387-4821 or jcandelaria@sbcounty.gov. Sincerely, Curt Hagman Fourth District Supervisor Chairman, Board of Supervisors cc: San Bernardino County Legislative Delegation