Hyperpartisan Housing: A Common Crisis with Very Different Solutions
Despite bipartisan recognition of California’s unprecedented housing crisis, legislative solutions being introduced this session remain hyperpartisan. On the Democratic side, with some exceptions, legislation being introduced to address housing has been focused on rent
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Governor Signs CalChamber-Supported CEQA, Land Use Bills that Help Relieve Home Building Red Tape
Two California Chamber of Commerce-supported bills that will help expedite home building, one dealing with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and another with land-use improvements, have been signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown
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Governor Signs CalChamber-Supported CEQA Reform Bill
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed a California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill that improves environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CalChamber supported AB 2782 (Friedman; D-Glendale) because it represents a prudent
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State High Court Says Regional Entity Has Discretion in Environmental Analysis
In a narrowly drafted ruling, the California Supreme Court upheld a regional government body’s discretion regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis it included in the environmental impact report (EIR) under the California Environmental
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CalChamber-Supported WaterFix Gains Critical State Approval
The California Chamber of Commerce-supported California WaterFix project has achieved the next crucial milestone on the road to securing the state’s future water supplies. The long-awaited plan to fix the state’s aging water distribution
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Appeals Court Rules that Project Consistency with GHG Plan Sufficient Under CEQA
A recent appeals court decision provides further guidance on what qualifies as an adequate greenhouse gas (GHG) impact analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The decision in Mission Bay Alliance v. Office
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California Supreme Court Rejects ‘New Project’ Test; State Agencies to Determine If Additional Environmental Review Needed
The California Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that subsequent changes to a development project which has already been subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is not subject to an independent
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Streamlining Review for Critical Projects to Governor
A California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill that expedites the environmental review process for leadership projects meeting certain criteria passed the Senate last week and is headed to the Governor’s desk. SB 734 (Galgiani; D-Stockton)
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Assembly Policy Committee Passes Job Killer
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee yesterday passed a job killer bill that could increase costs for California businesses, make them less competitive and discourage economic growth by adopting further greenhouse gas emission reductions for
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CalChamber Supports Bills to Speed Water Supply Solutions
The California Chamber of Commerce is supporting a number of bills to expedite and reduce costs for water storage facilities, drought mitigation measures and recycled water pipelines. The bills are scheduled to be considered
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Call for Interviewees: Research Project on CEQA Litigation and Public Engagement
A team of University of Southern California graduate students is analyzing the California Environmental Quality Act to better understand whether CEQA litigation amounts to a misuse or abuse of the law. Sponsored by the
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California Supreme Court Issues Blow to Major So Cal Green Development
Yesterday, the California Supreme Court issued a disappointing decision in Center for Biological Diversity et al, v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife and The Newhall Land and Farming Company, further delaying a 2,587
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Road Repair Bill Gets OK; Foundation Laid for Mining Act Reform; Housing Bills Pass
With the exception of the signing of a job creator bill streamlining some infrastructure development, 2015 was quiet on most California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) matters. Also, there was positive movement on housing affordability
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Governor Signs Job Creator Bill Speeding Roadway Repair/Maintenance
A California Chamber of Commerce-supported job creator bill that expedites and reduces costs for roadway repair and maintenance projects was signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr this week. AB 323 (Olsen; R-Modesto) streamlines
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Senate Policy Committee to Hear Job Creator Bill Today
A California Chamber of Commerce-supported job creator bill that expedites and reduces cost for roadway repair and maintenance projects will be heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee today. AB 323 (Olsen; R-Modesto) streamlines
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Scheduling Mandate Bill a Job Killer for Employers
Legislation imposing a one-size-fits-all scheduling mandate on retailers has been identified by the California Chamber of Commerce as a job killer. AB 357 (Chiu; D-San Francisco) will dramatically increase the cost of doing business
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CalChamber-Supported Bill Expedites, Reduces Cost for Roadway Repair/Maintenance
AB 323 (Olsen; R-Modesto) extends indefinitely the current California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for certain roadway repair and maintenance projects. The exemption applies for the repair, maintenance, or minor alterations to an existing
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California Supreme Court Issues Key CEQA Decision
The California Supreme Court ruled this week that evidence that a project may have a significant effect on the environment does not, in and of itself, preclude the use of a categorical exemption under
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Guest Commentary: The Supreme Court Eyes CEQA
(Cross posted on Fox and Hounds Daily) The best prospect for reform of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is no longer with the Legislature or the Governor, but at the California Supreme Court.
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