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.

1 minute read

September 5, 2012, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


In the 40-plus years since the California Environmental Quality Act was passed in 1970, what was "once a source of pride to many Californians and environmentalists across
the country, has turned into an agonizing test in the struggle to
balance environmental concerns against the need for jobs and economic
growth," observes Lovett. 

Used as a tool to thwart development (occasionally on dubious grounds), and even to stop plans by the City of San Francisco to paint bicycle lanes, Democrats are joining Republicans in recognizing flaws with the law that allow abuse. 

"Lawmakers have managed only relatively minor changes to the law so far," notes Lovett.
"Last year, Mr. Brown signed legislation to fast track a proposed
football stadium in downtown Los Angeles. Another bill, which would
exempt striping bicycle lanes from the Environmental Quality Act, now
awaits his signature." 

Last month a bill introduced in the State Senate by Democrat Michael J. Rubio that
would have overhauled CEQA enforcement was killed within 24 hours.

According to Lovett, the power of the environmental lobby and the importance of environmental issues to California's voters, means that "any major changes to the law remain a tall order in Sacramento."

 

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

2 hours ago - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

3 hours ago - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

4 hours ago - Mass Transit