California rolls back environmental protection law for housing

[Axtremus]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/us/california-environment-newsom-ceqa.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TE8.Cvx6.8EEuqKv_cl6I

California Rolls Back Its Landmark Environmental Law
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers scaled back a law that was vilified for its role in California’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills, which were written by Democrats but had rare bipartisan support in California’s divided State Capitol, that will allow many development projects to avoid rigorous environmental review and, potentially, the delaying and cost-inflating lawsuits that have discouraged construction in the state.

What say you?

[jon-nyc]

I don’t know the details but I’m sure it’s a good idea and just a start.

We have to stop making it essentially illegal to build true affordable housing. And by that I don’t mean subsidized housing for a handful of lottery winners.

[Horace]

Ezra Klein getting it done.

[Mik]

Now if we can get them to quit building in wildfire zones, they might be able to get insurance.