We first let you know about the threat we faced with SB 607, which would have weakened California’s top environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Though that bill stalled, similar changes were pushed through the state budget process with almost no public input.

The new bill, SB 131 (Wiener), was introduced on a Friday and voted on after just one hearing the following Monday. This bill goes far beyond helping infill housing (as touted)—it removes requirements to study and reduce environmental impacts, including protections for endangered species. CEQA is one of the tools we have used for mitigating impacts—that too is no longer required. Ironically, CEQA already allows infill housing.

Hills For Everyone and scores of other non-profits are urging lawmakers to fix this bill, as they promised, before summer recess begins on July 18th. Follow us on social media for updates and ways you can help get a cleanup bill passed before the legislative session ends in September.

Check out this summary article from the CityWalk.