Proposition 45
Speed up environmental reviews for housing and infrastructure
Proposition 45 would limit reviews under the state’s landmark environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act. Placed on the ballot by the California Chamber of Commerce, the measure aims to help developers advance projects they designate as “essential” more quickly and easily. It would impose a 365-day limit on environmental reviews for those projects, including infrastructure like roads and bridges, housing, schools, broadband and wildfire mitigation. It would also require courts to rule within 270 days on lawsuits related to the environmental review law.
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Summary
Support
The California Chamber of Commerce says the state’s environmental review law is outdated and creates expensive bureaucracy and frivolous litigation that slows development. It argues that delays in reviewing projects ultimately increase costs that are passed down to taxpayers and consumers. The group argues the measure will speed up development while keeping essential environmental protections in place.
Oppose
Opponents say the measure would weaken California’s environmental review law, which exists to protect people and the environment from potentially harmful developments. They say Proposition 45 would strip agencies of the tools they have to protect communities, increase costly litigation and practically eliminate their ability to enforce the law. They argue the long-term costs of poor planning will be passed onto agencies and taxpayers.
Endorsements
Support
- California Chamber of Commerce
- California Republican Party
- California Hospital Association
- California Children’s Hospital Association
- California Primary Care Association
- California Water Association
- California Council for Affordable Housing
- California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
- California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
- California Building Industry Association
Oppose
- California Labor Federation
- California Democratic Party
- California Nurses Association
- Western Center on Law & Poverty
- California League of Women Voters
- Californians Against Waste
- Clean Water Action
- Sierra Club California
- Clean Air Coalition
- National Wildlife Federation
Commentary
Campaign finance
Proposition committees raise money to support or oppose propositions. Outside groups can also raise and spend money independently to influence outcomes.
- Proposition committees
- Outside spending
- Difference to other side
Support
Oppose
Proposition committees
These committees are primarily formed to campaign for or against a proposition. They must identify donors who give $100 or more. There are no limits on how much donors can give. Below, we exclude donors whose contributions total less than $100.
Support
Oppose
Outside spending
Separate from proposition committees, outside groups can pay for ads, mailers and other efforts to influence voters. They can’t coordinate that spending with proposition committees. There is no limit on how much they can spend.
Support
Oppose
Ballot text
MODIFIES ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Amends California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to expedite environmental review for certain projects (including most housing, transportation, water, and health projects) by setting deadlines to complete environmental review and resolve lawsuits challenging project approvals. Fiscal Impact: Initial costs for state and local governments, likely in the high tens of millions of dollars potentially exceeding $100 million–annually, partly covered by fees. Uncertain, potentially more significant positive or negative longer-term fiscal effects.
Source: California Secretary of State
