CEQA Reform Bills Moving Quickly Through California Legislature

Barchart·06/03/2025 16:08:10

A California environmental law often maligned as a contributor to slow housing production could be sidestepped by two new bills working their way quickly through the state legislature.  With some maneuvering by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the bills are being fast-tracked and could become law within weeks, the Los Angeles Times reported.  AB 609, sponsored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, would allow housing projects in infill, urbanized areas under 20 acres that meet local zoning standards to be eligible for exemptions to the California Environmental Quality Act.  SB 607, sponsored by state Sen. Scott Weiner, would include provisions to reduce the number of projects that need to go through the full environmental...