California Environmental Reporting System

Introduction from the CERS NextGen Project Team

CERS NextGen Project Update

The CERS NextGen Project Team is pleased to provide the latest progress as we advance through the execution phase of the CERS NextGen Project. Phase 1 development is underway, focusing on UST program submittal workflows, Electronic Data Transfer (EDT), Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement (CME).  Phase 2 will introduce specific functionality related to the other programs. Full system Go-Live is planned for January 2027.

What’s in this Latest Newsletter Edition

The August Business Bulletin Newsletter highlights recent CERS NextGen Project development, including improvements to the UST submittal flow and new features to boost due date visibility for Businesses and CUPAs. We invite your feedback. Details for contacting the Project Team are included at the end of this issue. Your insights, input, and involvement will contribute to the success of the CERS NextGen Project.

CERS NextGen Timeline

Increased Visibility of Due Dates

Changing – Mandatory Due Dates: The implementation of the next generation of CERS introduces mandatory due dates for submittals. For example, an Underground Storage Tank (UST) submittal is due annually by a specified deadline. State default due dates will be automatically set to March 1^st for USTs. 

Changing – Due Date Visibility: Due dates will be displayed in the system for both Regulators and Businesses. When a CUPA updates a due date, the new date will be displayed immediately for the Business as well. This feature will help keep all parties informed of due dates, streamline communications, and increase compliance.

What’s Next – Notifications and Reminders: The Project Team is exploring the feasibility of including an additional layer of automated due date reminders and notifications of due date changes. Future newsletter articles and Town Hall sessions will provide more information as new developments unfold.

CERS NextGen Submittal Flow Improvements

Streamlining the Submittal Experience with Automated Email Notifications

To improve transparency and reduce manual outreach, the next generation of CERS introduces automated email notifications. When submittal statuses change, such as submission, approval, or rejection, both Businesses and CUPAs will receive real-time updates. This enhancement helps ensure obligations are clearly met while minimizing the need for phone calls or follow-up emails.

Clarifying Submission Review: Accepted versus Not Accepted

With the next generation of CERS, initial submittals require CUPA action to either accept or not accept. If marked “Not Accepted,” the system prompts Regulators to enter a comment explaining the decision, while capturing the date of the status change. Businesses receive an automated notification, and upon resubmission, the system detects any changes and updates the status to “Submitted,” triggering a new CUPA review.

New Status Enhances Efficiency: Administrative Complete

The next generation of CERS introduces a new status, Administrative Complete, automatically assigned when a resubmission matches the previous submittal with no changes, excluding UST-related items. For example, if a Hazardous Materials business plan is submitted without updates, the system flags it as Administrative Complete, signaling no further review is needed by the CUPA. This streamlines processing and reduces unnecessary follow-up for both Regulators and Businesses.

Prioritizing Recent Activity: Chronological Submittal Processing

The next generation of CERS will enforce submittals being processed from oldest to newest to prevent loss of information with multiple submittals.

No Barriers to Annual Submission

In the next generation of CERS, Businesses can submit updated information each year—regardless of prior submittal status. Even if a previous submittal was not accepted, the system supports continued compliance by allowing new submittals without restriction. Upcoming newsletters will provide step-by-step guidance for creating UST submittals.

CERS NextGen Q&A

Join us to learn more about the CERS NextGen Project!