California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) NextGen Project – CUPA Connection Newsletter
CERS NextGen Project Update
What’s in this Edition
This CUPA Connection Newsletter features timely articles addressing key questions from Unified Program Agencies (UPAs) and other Stakeholders. We hope these insights make the Phase 1 changes easier to understand and more relevant to 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) 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.
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
Special All-UPA Event – The Future of CERS
The Data Steering Committee and all UPAs are invited to register for a special Town Hall event on November 13th. The Project Team will provide updates on Electronic Data Transfer (EDT), Phase 1 progress, and the plan for Phase 2. Additionally, the Project Team will respond to participant questions.
Thursday, November 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. REGISTER
Building Collaboration – Survey Still Open
About the Survey
The CalEPA Unified Program Leadership Team remains committed to fostering transparency and collaboration with UPAs throughout the CERS NextGen.
In response to requests for greater visibility into the process, the Project Team, with the Organizational Change Management (OCM) Team, launched a Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement Survey in mid-September. The brief survey provides updates about the new system and invites candid feedback from UPAs on areas that matter most.
By creating space for open dialogue and engagement, the survey aims to build trust, reduce uncertainty, and help stakeholders feel more informed and involved throughout this transition. Although the original deadline was October 10, the survey remains open to give newsletter readers an opportunity to share their perspectives.
Share your Perspective — Complete the Survey!
Use the button below to participate. Your voice matters.
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 Business, 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 Users
The next generation of CERS has three business user types:
- Editor – can create a business and complete limited actions but cannot submit. This user type is useful for contractors who assist with submittal preparations and defer to the business for final submission.
- Submitter– authorized to complete and submit required documentation as with the current system.
- Lead – has all permissions, including managing local users, updating facility associations, and linking to other businesses.
Business User Types and Permissions
Regulator User Types and Permissions
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.
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.
Statewide Users
Statewide Users are a distinct group of users who, while not part of the Business-to-CUPA submittal workflow, require access to information for emergency response or regulatory oversight. These users can view business and facility information, cases, submittal details, and compliance activity, and generate reports to meet their operational requirements. This permission level mimics the Regulator experience without the ability to modify system data. Statewide Users include:
- Emergency Responders
- UPA Evaluators regardless of Agency
- Other Government Users as needed for legal or other purposes
Statewide User Types and Permissions
Preparing for CERS NextGen – Electronic Data Transfer (EDT) Update
Electronic Data Transfer (EDT) in the Next Generation of CERS
The EDT framework in development for the next generation of CERS has updated endpoints and improved Application Programming Interface (API) security. If you are using CERS EDT services, the updated protocol for the next generation of CERS will require changes to your existing local systems.
Recent EDT Framework Updates
As previously shared, Phase 1 includes UST–related functionality and data models. EDT documentation was recently updated to reflect newly developed endpoints. These updates are available on the dedicated CERS NextGen EDT website.
CERS NextGen EDT Access Update
As with the current version of CERS, EDT functionality will only be available to UPAs in the next generation of CERS. UPAs will have the opportunity to validate their EDT code updates prior to the production release.
Phase 2 EDT development, which expands access to the other programs, is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Important EDT Townhall - All Regulators Welcome!
Other Ways to Get Involved
Catch Up Anytime—Explore CERS NextGen Project Updates
Stay informed with the latest CERS NextGen insights, announcements, and progress updates. Access past newsletters and key project resources on the CERS NextGen Project website.
We’re Here to Help – Just Ask
Have questions or feedback about EDT or the CERS NextGen Project? Email us at: cersnextgen@calepa.ca.gov
Join the Conversation—CUPA Townhall & Data Steering Committee Meetings
Be part of the dialogue! Data Steering Committee and CUPA Townhall meetings offer fresh insights, learning opportunities, and direct access to project updates. Your voice helps shape what’s next.
CERS NextGen Q&A
Welcome to the Q&A Corner, a dedicated space where we address insightful questions from the stakeholder community and provide responses from the project experts. Each edition offers an opportunity to engage, learn, and explore topics that matter as we prepare for the next generation of CERS.
What topics would you like covered in the next CUPA Connection Newsletter?
Email us at cersnextgenocm@calepa.ca.gov to provide your ideas and feedback.
