A coalition of environmental and labor leaders is urging California lawmakers to halt a rushed effort to weaken the state’s foundational environmental law, citing overwhelming public support for the CEQA and opposition to legislative attempts to scale it back.
SB 607, a bill to reform the California Environmental Quality Act, has sparked debate between state leaders and environmental justice organizations, with opponents arguing that it would gut CEQA safeguards and supporters claiming it is necessary to streamline development and address California’s housing shortage.
SB 607 has passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee with major revisions, deleting the original content and replacing it with intent language signaling continued legislative discussions around CEQA reform, effectively tabling the most controversial provisions.