The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), established in 1970, may face significant reform through bill AB-609, which would waive environmental impact reports for most urban housing projects. Sponsored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, the bill aims to streamline housing development by exempting multi-family projects up to 20 acres in urban areas. CEQA has been criticized for its delays, particularly in housing construction. With statewide housing pressure increasing, AB-609 represents a pivotal shift in addressing California's housing crisis by potentially stripping away barriers imposed by the environmental regulations.
A major reform to CEQA could exempt urban housing development from extensive impact studies, significantly speeding up housing projects in California.
AB-609 would remove environmental impact reports for most new housing projects, addressing the longstanding delays caused by CEQA in California.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks argued that CEQA has become a blunt tool that has stalled essential housing projects, urging for legislative reform.
Land use lawyer Dave Rand called AB-609 the most significant housing legislation he's seen, indicating the potent impact it could have on CEQA consultancy.
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