How Reforming California’s Environmental Law Can Benefit Our Planet

In 1947, California took a big step to tackle air pollution, long before the federal Clean Air Act was introduced. Later, in 2006, under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California set a global example by passing a tough law aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This move sparked a worldwide effort to combat climate change.

California is known for its strong environmental leadership, but there’s a growing concern about a flaw in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA is intended to protect our air and water and preserve natural habitats. It emphasizes the need to “look before you leap,” meaning decision-makers should understand the environmental impact of their actions.

However, over time, CEQA has been used in ways that harm more than help. One major issue is its role in blocking housing projects when our state desperately needs more affordable homes. For many builders, the fear of a CEQA lawsuit is enough to halt new developments, increasing costs and delays on top of already high construction expenses.

The challenge now is how to reform CEQA without losing its important protective features. A promising solution is Assembly Bill 609. This bill aims to exempt certain housing projects from CEQA if they meet local laws and aren’t near sensitive environmental areas. Focusing on urban housing can lessen the pressure to develop on open land, cutting down on pollution and commute times.

As a father-and-son duo deeply invested in environmental issues, we feel mixed emotions about this change. One of us was part of bringing CEQA into the spotlight decades ago. It played a crucial role in shaping California’s environmental regulations. Any adjustment to CEQA raises concerns, but it’s essential to remember that the law must adapt to remain effective. When it begins to undermine its goals, like pushing housing developments away and causing environmental harm, that puts its future at risk.

Thoughtful reforms, such as AB 609, aim to keep CEQA focused on protecting the environment while allowing for faster and more affordable housing growth.

Infill housing—building homes within already developed areas—presents a crucial solution to both housing affordability and climate change. If California doesn’t act to improve housing access, it risks losing residents and political sway to states with cheaper living costs, like Texas and Florida. Projections suggest California might even lose congressional districts after the next census due to its rising housing costs.

For those passionate about the environment and climate change, promoting infill housing can be an effective way forward. Balancing environmental protection with housing needs is not just smart; it’s vital for California’s future.

For further information on environmental policy and its impact on housing, check the comprehensive overview from CalMatters.

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