Key points about impending alterations in California's building regulations:
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California laws are full of complex terminology. One such acronym that sparks intense reactions is CEQA, standing for the California Environmental Quality Act. A 50-year-old law, CEQA is adored by some as the reason California maintains its natural beauty amid relentless development pressure, while others believe it's the culprit hampering the state's housing market.
Now, the Legislature is debating the most significant changes to CEQA in decades. Proposals on the table include exempting urban housing projects from its requirements and weakening its rules for nearly everything else. Let's delve into the significance of this law and the potential repercussions of these alterations.
CEQA's Simplicity, Impact Unsettled
CEQA is a straightforward law. Developers – be it housing, highways, power plants, warehouses, and more – must disclose and, if possible, mitigate a project's environmental effects before commencing construction. However, in practice, these requirements have resulted in lengthy analyses involving soil testing, traffic modeling, and extensive litigation, posing risks to entire projects[1].
Supporters of CEQA argue that the law is essential for preventing development from polluting California's waterways and safeguarding communities. They contend that CEQA's influence on development is overblown, citing studies showing that few projects encounter lawsuits[1].
On the other hand, those advocating for CEQA reform assert that even the threat of litigation can stall projects like housing and clean energy infrastructure that the state requires to become more affordable and address climate change[1]. They claim that opponents of a project misuse the extensive reporting requirements in CEQA to obstruct developments, even for unrelated reasons[1].
CEQA Politics: A Thorny Maze
Politics surrounding CEQA can be particularly tricky, especially in the Democrat-dominated Legislature. Environmental and labor groups, influential powerhouses in California politics, have a keen interest in CEQA and have effectively fended off major changes for years. Consequently, legislators have primarily managed to supply relief for specific pet projects or those willing to offer higher wages to construction workers or set aside a portion of development for affordable housing or other benefits[1].
Two seasoned lawmakers have recently put forth the latest bills to reform CEQA, motivated by decades of failed attempts to encourage large-scale development. Their efforts have been boosted by a burgeoning "Abundance" movement within Democratic circles, which claims that laws like CEQA contribute to the housing and infrastructure crises in blue states, negatively impacting the party's political fortunes[1].
Governor Gavin Newsom, who supports the calls for change, has endorsed the two bills and is hoping for swift approval within the month[1].
The Future of CEQA: Uncertainty Reigns
Even opponents of the bills admit that some form of reform is likely. The specifics, however, are yet to be decided. One legislator indicated that labor standards may be included in her bill, while the other's bill was significantly modified in a legislative committee[1]. The coming weeks will see legislative leaders and Governor Newsom working together to strike a compromise.
Today's Top Stories
Regulators Plan to Phase out Gas Appliances in Southern California
Southern California air quality regulators intend to vote on new rules aimed at phasing out the sale of gas-powered furnaces and water heaters, citing improved air quality and public health benefits. Opponents fear increased consumer costs[3].
Accomplice in Palm Springs Bombing Fled to Europe, Arrested in New York
Daniel Park, an accomplice to Guy Edward Bartkus, the Palm Springs bombing suspect, allegedly helped secure an explosive precursor for homemade bombs. Park fled the US for Europe after the bombing and was arrested in New York after being deported from Poland[4].
Labor Groups Push for $25 Minimum Wage in LA County
Labor advocates and some elected officials are urging Los Angeles County to adopt a minimum wage of at least $25 an hour. Business groups are expected to offer resistance[5].
Strip the Name of Gay Rights Icon Harvey Milk from a Navy Ship?
California leaders oppose rumors that the Trump administration plans to remove Harvey Milk's name from a ship honoring his legacy, calling it an affront to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month[6].
What Else Is Happening
- California freshwater fish overwhelmed by parasites. Learn how to avoid illness[7].
- The Trump administration sees 'no viable path' forward for the high-speed rail project, proposes pulling federal funding[8].
- The Bakersfield girl facing deportation and losing lifesaving medical care is allowed to remain in the US[9].
- A transgender woman survives attacks in Westlake; two attackers remain at large[10].
- A Southern California man is charged with threatening to assassinate Trump[11].
- Developers are buying up burned lots in Altadena[12].
Commentary and Opinions
- As Trump fights diversity, this Black lawmaker is making history in Marin County, argues columnist Mark Z. Barabak[13].
- The president's foreign policy is 'Me, Myself and I,' columnist Jackie Calmes asserts - strictly transactional and motivated more by personal and political gain than national interest[14].
- Critics of anti-pandemic measures endanger schools by ending mask mandates, says columnist Michael Hiltzik, increasing COVID infections and deaths[15].
This Morning's Must-Reads
Lifestyle
- For Subscribers: They loved the beach too much to move. The solution? A sleek home and ADU upgrade[16].
- Other Must-Reads: This national landmark had to move because of a landslide. Inside what's next for Wayfarers chapel[17]. An elderly man builds a tree house to protest eviction from a state-owned home[18]. Inside the making of 'House of the Dragon's' 'spectacular' aerial battle[19]. One Shot: How 'Squid Game's' deadly carousel became a watchful eye[20].
For Your Downtime
Going Out
- Museums: Guadalupe Rosales crafts an analog Wayback Machine for a vibrant show at Palm Springs Art Museum[21].
- Fashion: It's time for seaside fashion and city strolls. Here are the hottest drops and events this summer[22].
- Restaurants: A celebrity KBBQ stalwart returns to Koreatown, with a new bar on the way[23].
Staying In
- Music: On her (very short) break from "Wicked," Cynthia Erivo is performing with orchestras and releasing a new album called "I Forgive You"[24].
- Television: Beginning this fall, "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" will stream on Hulu and Peacock[25].
- Recipes: Here's a recipe for Alba's Spaghetti al Limone[26].
- ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search, and arcade games[27].
A Question for You: What's the best advice you've gotten from your father or father figure?
Virginia writes, "My dad gave me a strong sense of self as a smart Latina capable of doing anything I set my mind to. One of his favorite pieces of advice, liberally given, was that people would underestimate me and not to let them. This served me well as I entered the male-dominated corporate world of the late 80s and 90s and eventually reached my goal at the top of the corporate ladder."
Michael writes, "Son, you should always marry a short girl. When they [fart,] they don't kick up as much dust."
Email us at essentialcalifornia@our website and your response might appear in the newsletter this week[27].
And finally ... from our archives
On June 5, 1981, AIDS was reported for the first time following the detection of a rare form of pneumonia in five gay men in Los Angeles[28].
Last year, as part of the Times' Our Queerest Century project, columnist LZ Granderson wrote about how we must remember the heroes of the AIDS epidemic, not just the trauma[29].
- The business community in Los Angeles is monitoring the debates over the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with implications for housing, infrastructure, and environmental policy-and-legislation.
- The discussion around CEQA reform has sparked intense opinions within the state government, as environmental groups and labor unions wield significant influence over legislation.
- Governance and development in California's cities, such as Los Angeles, are shaped by a complex interplay of environmental concerns, housing pressures, and political alliances.
- The music industry, entertainment, and television sectors in California are major contributors to the state's general-news landscape, with events like the Palm Springs bombing and the struggle for a $25 minimum wage in LA County making headlines.
- Health issues, such as the increasing costs related to the phasing out of gas appliances and the arrest of an individual involved in a terrorist plot, are significant news topics in the region.
- Concerns about infrastructure, including the development of burned lots in areas like Altadena, and the potential loss of federal funding for high-speed rail projects, are issues that shape discussions on policy-and-legislation within the government.
- Climate change, perceived impacts of CEQA on housing development, and the evolution of the state's energy infrastructure are ongoing issues that are shaping the political landscape of California.
- In the realm of culture and lifestyle, topics like the resurrection of a national landmark, the latest fashion trends, and the hottest releases in food and entertainment are subjects of interest for the public.
