Newsom changed CEQA to promote housing and development. What could it mean for Oakland?

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed two bills that reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to facilitate housing development in urban areas. The legislation allows exemptions for projects under 20 acres, focusing primarily on infill housing, which utilizes existing land zoned for development. Advocates assert these reforms will help mitigate California's ongoing housing crisis by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. However, concerns arise among environmentalists about the loss of community input in environmental assessments, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods. Zack Subin from UC Berkeley's Terner Center believes that speeding up infill housing production could benefit the environment.

Conversely, Ruby Acevedo from Communities for a Better Environment emphasizes the importance of community participation in the review process. The Oaklandside has created an explainer to clarify the reforms and their consequences for East Bay residents. These changes mark a pivotal moment in California's environmental policy, balancing the urgent need for housing against environmental safeguards.