California’s Prop 45 may be the biggest reform to CEQA in decades. Critics say it goes too far
… Proposition 45, sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, would streamline the approval process for a wide range of development activities considered “essential.” … [P]rojects eligible for streamlining would be limited, though several categories of development would qualify: housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, health services, wildfire prevention, broadband internet, education facilities and transportation. … Opponents of the proposition say so many changes for so many projects is an invitation for sprawl and polluting development. They worry that fast-tracking the approval process would inevitably lead to less comprehensive reviews and public comment, resulting in projects that yield toxic emissions, increase wildfire risk and squeeze energy and water supplies. … Specifically listed as ineligible for faster review are the contentious water tunnel proposal in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and California’s high-speed rail project.
Other Prop. 45 news:
- Los Angeles Times: Your guide to Proposition 45: Faster CEQA review for housing and infrastructure
- The Sacramento Bee (Calif.): Democratic leaders criticize Prop. 45 campaign for donations to Calif. GOP, DeMaio
