CEQA Reform

Streamlined CEQA Reform Passes Under a New Bill

Senator Steinberg's CEQA reform bill, SB 731, which we have been following all year, died - but many of the most important aspects - LOS, aesthetic and parking impacts, have been transferred to SB 743 (Kings Arena bill), though applied more narrowly.

September 17, 2013 - Streetsblog LA

CEQA Reform Amendments Strengthen Social and Traffic Impact Analysis

As long-debated reforms meant to streamline California's landmark Environmental Quality Act near passage, interest groups from the right and left have found plenty to quibble with. But in two key areas, observers are cheering new amendments.

September 12, 2013 - California Planning & Development Report

CEQA Legislative Reform Now Far From Certain

George Skelton, capitol journalist for the LA Times, argues for compromise on Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg's SB 731 that weaves a tight line between labor & environmentalists vowing to uphold CEQA and businesses demanding reform.

September 1, 2013 - Los Angeles Times

CEQA Reform Advances in CA Legislature, Likely to Become Law

A bill aimed to 'modernize' California's landmark environmental law passed the state's Senate by a vote of 39-0, and its chances of being signed into law appear strong. A bill to revive redevelopment advanced, but seems destined to be vetoed.

June 7, 2013 - California Planning & Development Report

One CEQA Reform Bill Advances; One Dies

CA Sen. Darrell Steinberg's bill to "modernize" CEQA unanimously passed the senate environment subcommittee. While SB 731 has no opponents at this time, it is suspected of being a means to keep the Kings NBA team from leaving Sacramento for Seattle.

May 4, 2013 - Sacramento Bee

Despite Governor's Reluctance, CEQA Reform Proceeds in CA

Just last week it was reported that Gov. Jerry Brown had given up on trying to reform the state's landmark environmental law this year. State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg must not have gotten the memo.

April 27, 2013 - California Planning & Development Report

California Governor's CEQA Reform Efforts: Doomed from the Start?

As calls for reforming California's oft-abused environmental law increase, opponents are digging in their heels in anticipation of Governor Jerry Brown's effort to revise the law to ease approval processes, reports Evan Halper.

April 19, 2013 - Los Angeles Times

Peninsula Cities Lose Initial CEQA Lawsuit Against High Speed Rail Authority

It was the first of many lawsuits to hit the HSRA. Menlo Park and Atherton, joined later by Palo Alto - three adjoining cities on the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County border, among the wealthiest in the nation, sued in 2008 to reroute the train.

March 5, 2013 - San Jose Mercury News

Is CEQA Really to Blame for Preventing Infill Development?

According to new figures from California's Annual Planning Survey, the state's environmental law is low on the list of barriers to infill development, writes Ethan Elkind.

September 25, 2012 - Legal Planet

CEQA Reform Pits Democrats Against Environmentalists in California

Ian Lovett looks at efforts to reform CEQA, California's landmark environmental law. Decried as easily abused, and an impediment to economic development, bipartisan attempts to reform the law are making enemies out of allies.

September 5, 2012 - The New York Times

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