Advocates of reforming a key environmental law say it could speed up housing and infrastructure projects, while environmentalists say there are risks.
reforming California’s trademark environmental review law
“We strongly support this plan that will speed up construction, expedite court review, smooth permitting and address the abuse of the CEQA process that has halted key projects,” a coalition of 88 business organizations — including the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Inland Empire Economic Partnership and Orange County Business Council — wrote in a letter Monday, June 5, urging state legislators to approve Newsom’s plan.
“We’re really trying to lay the groundwork for adequate environmental protections that will improve environmental and public health.” Supporters say the law has blocked or forced changes for hundreds of projects that would have worsened air, water and soil pollution and caused other environmental problems that disproportionately affect the state’s most vulnerable residents. But some business groups and local governments say CEQA creates too many barriers for projects to advance in cost effective and timely ways — if at all.
However, no lawmaker introduced any of Newsom’s proposals in time to get them through the regular bill process, which required passage in the chamber it was introduced in by June 2. Both the state Senate and Assembly budget committeesbefore that date, saying they didn’t have enough time to fully vet the complicated proposals under deadlines for this legislative session.
“These bills are substantial proposals. And they would benefit from the time, discussion and transparency that’s offered by the normal legislative process,” Woolley said, as she urged lawmakers to reject the trailer bill idea.
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