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.
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."
FULL STORY: Critics Say California Law Hurts Effort to Add Jobs

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie