California rolls back environmental law to expedite housing

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that rolls back environmental regulations, aiming to expedite housing construction in urban areas. The law exempts projects under 20 acres from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which has historically allowed for lawsuits that delay building. This change is expected to reduce planning and zoning timelines in cities grappling with significant housing shortages. Experts, including Ben Metcalf from UC Berkeley, assert that the exemptions will notably speed up the development of market-rate housing, particularly in areas previously resistant to infill projects. Local housing analyst Gary London highlighted that the change could also reduce commute-driven carbon emissions by promoting housing near employment centers.

However, opponents argue that the rollbacks compromise essential environmental protections, potentially endangering wildlife and communities. A coalition of over 100 organizations expressed concerns about the risks of allowing large industrial projects to proceed without thorough scrutiny. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between housing needs and environmental stewardship in California.