A summary of the above from the Rail Passengers Association (NARP):

"The California High-Speed Rail Authority today issued the Record of Decision for the final 23-mile route between Shafter and Bakersfield in the Central Valley. This completes the state’s environmental review process between Fresno and Bakersfield and allows the Authority to move toward project construction into Bakersfield. This is the first major environmental action taken under the State’s newly granted federal National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) assignment and further emphasizes the Authority’s commitment to accelerate the project under new executive leadership.

The section receiving clearance today extends from Shafter east towards State Route 99 and the existing Union Pacific Railroad tracks, then southward into Bakersfield, ending at a station location at F Street in downtown Bakersfield."