California Scales Back CEQA Reviews to Speed Urban Housing

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Updated Jul 2, 2025, 09:05 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bipartisan measure that sharply curtails the use of the California Environmental Quality Act for urban housing, a move supporters say will accelerate construction in a state facing one of the nation’s deepest affordability crises.

Approved by lawmakers on 30 June, the law exempts most infill and transit-oriented residential projects from CEQA review, while leaving the environmental statute intact for greenfield developments on previously undeveloped land. Buildings taller than 85 feet must still hire certain union trades, and developers are required to pay prevailing wages only when a project is entirely affordable.

The overhaul reflects mounting public pressure: a Politico–University of California poll released 2 July found a majority of voters want stronger state action on housing, and Newsom’s popularity has risen in tandem with the issue.

Legislators are advancing further steps. Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 79, which would make higher-density housing near transit stations routine, cleared the Assembly Housing Committee the same week.

Environmental groups warn the CEQA changes weaken oversight, but pro-housing advocates argue faster approvals are essential to expand supply, curb long commutes and meet California’s climate goals.

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#California #Gavin Newsom #California Environmental Quality Act #CEQA #Newsom #Scott Wiener #Assembly Housing Committee

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Senator Scott Wiener

@Scott_Wiener

BIG HOUSING NEWS: Our bill allowing more housing near transit stations (SB 79) just passed the Assembly Housing Committee! SB 79 will make transit-oriented development the norm in California — building the homes we need, increasing transit ridership & helping our climate goals.