CERS NextGen Project Update

What’s in this Edition

This Business Bulletin Newsletter features timely articles addressing key questions from Businesses and Unified Program Agencies (UPAs) about what is coming in the next generation of CERS. We hope these insights help you understand how the new system will work for you and your role.

Project Status – Phase 1 Nears Completion, Phase 2 on the Horizon

The Project Team is pleased to share that development for Phase 1 of the next generation of CERS, which encompasses most of the workflow for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), is nearing completion. Planning is underway for Phase 2, which will expand functionality to include the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA), California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP), Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), and Hazardous Waste Generator Programs. Nearing the end of Phase 1 reflects meaningful progress toward a more modern, responsive system for statewide environmental reporting in 2027.

Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Communication Events

All Stakeholder Town Halls

Register today to join us for the upcoming general information sessions open to all stakeholders, including businesses and UPAs.  The Project Team will share updates and respond to participant questions in an open forum.

Thursday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.       REGISTER

Thursday, November 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.      REGISTER   

Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.    REGISTER

User Accounts and Permissions – What’s Staying, What’s Changing

As preparations continue for the next generation of CERS, many users have asked questions about account migration and user permissions. This article outlines key changes and continuities for Businesses, Unified Program Agencies (UPAs), and Statewide Users, including evaluators, emergency personnel, and other regulatory entities that will interact with the next generation of CERS. The permissions discussed in this article are associated with Phase 1 UST functionality. Expanded permissions for other programs may be added in Phase 2.

Account Migration

Existing accounts will be migrated to the next generation of CERS. Businesses will maintain access to their associated businesses and facilities. To support a smooth transition to the new system, UPAs and Businesses are encouraged to:

• Review and clean-up their existing user lists throughout 2026
• Remove dormant user accounts
• Assign Lead Users where possible

These actions will help data migration, reduce administrative overhead, and support a smoother and easier transition.

Business User Types and Permissions

New Feature – Regulators Can Assist with Businesses User Management

A new feature in the next generation of CERS addresses unique situations where a business does not have a Lead Business User which is essential for managing other users at that site. In such instances, requests to add a Business User(s) will be routed to a dedicated UPA queue, enabling direct intervention and issue resolution.

With the next generation of CERS, UPAs will be able to:

• Add Users
• Assign multiple Lead Users
• Manage Lead Users across multijurisdictional businesses that have locations within their CUPA’s jurisdictional boundaries.

In the new system, these updates can be accomplished by the CUPA without state-level involvement.

Regulator Users

The next generation of CERS has two regulator user types:

• Regulator – can create draft submittals to support businesses but cannot submit on behalf of a business, maintaining business ownership of final submissions. Regulators cannot create businesses or facilities, this remains the responsibility of the business owner.
• Lead Regulator – Lead Regulators are authorized to manage user access/permissions within their own CUPA or PA.

Statewide User Types and Permissions

Other Ways to Get Involved

CERS NextGen Q&A