California Lawmakers Push for CEQA Reform to Boost Housing

California lawmakers are taking significant steps to address the state's housing crisis by proposing reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Assemblymember Buffy Wicks has introduced a bill aimed at streamlining the approval process for infill housing projects, which are developments within existing urban areas. This legislative move is part of a broader effort to fast-track home production across the state.

The proposed bill, AB 609, seeks to exempt certain infill housing projects from CEQA's lengthy review process, which has often been cited as a barrier to new construction. By reducing the time and cost associated with environmental reviews, the bill aims to encourage more housing development in urban centers, thereby helping to alleviate the state's acute housing shortage.

Supporters of the bill argue that CEQA reform is essential for meeting California's housing goals, while critics express concerns about potential environmental impacts. The debate over CEQA and housing continues to be a contentious issue in the state's political landscape, with significant implications for future urban development and environmental policy.

• AB 609
• Buffy Wicks
• California
• CEQA