BALANCE: Biologically Appropriate Lighting Aligning Nature Conservation and Energy Efficiency
Summary
SCH Number
2025071023
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
BALANCE: Biologically Appropriate Lighting Aligning Nature Conservation and Energy Efficiency
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2025
Document Description
The project is focused on paper research and computer modeling with some stakeholder engagement. There is no alteration of the physical environment within this project. The research will utilize a combination of scientific symposiums, lab experiments, spatial analysis, ecological modeling on key species groups in California comparing the impact of two or more different lighting spectrum adjustment options, and quantitative analysis to assess the effects of different lighting spectra, shielding, and intensity on various species. Research will take place at the existing Visual Performance Laboratory (VPL) at the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis Campus.
Contact Information
Name
Julia Harnad
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Sustainable Energy Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Davis
Counties
Yolo
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Pena Dr and Del Rio Pl
Zip
95618
Other Location Info
633 Pena Dr, Davis, CA 95618
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306 provides that projects which consist of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, and which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project falls within these parameters
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, title 14, Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, Section 15301, “Existing Buildings,” covers the operation, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The grant activities will be conducted at an existing laboratory at UC Davis, and the stakeholder meetings will either be virtual or take place at existing meeting facilities. There will be no expansion of the existing use of the facilities, and there will not be a significant effect on the environment. The project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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