California Plan Would Block Projects From Environmental Lawsuits

California is looking to fast-track a pilot project that would exempt some construction projects from environment-related legal challenges. It's a move aimed at speeding development and creating jobs, but critics say it will harm the environment.

1 minute read

February 12, 2010, 10:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The California Environmental Quality Act Litigation Protection Pilot Program would allow the state's Business, Housing and Transportation Agency to identify 25 construction projects a year that would not be subject to legal challenges once the environmental impact reports are complete and approved."

It's part of a package of measure introduced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to boost job creation in the state. Critics say the program would allow environmentally damaging projects to speed through the approvals process with little oversight.

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