Have you started learning about Proposition 45 yet?

GV Wire will present the pros and cons of the proposed overhaul of the state’s landmark environmental review law, the California Environmental Quality Act, on Tuesday’s edition of the “Unfiltered” podcast, which starts at 6 p.m.

Appearing on the podcast will be a leading environmental attorney, Jennifer L. Hernandez, a partner at Holland & Knight.

Prop. 45 is sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce. The measure’s goal is to help developers advance projects they designate as “essential” more quickly and easily.

If approved by voters in November, it will impose a 365-day limit on environmental reviews for projects such as roads and bridges, housing, schools, broadband, and wildfire mitigation.

The proposition also would require courts to rule within 270 days on CEQA-related lawsuits.

What Proponents and Opponents Say

Prop. 45 supporters contend that CEQA delays are a fundamental reason for California’s housing shortage and high housing costs. Backers also argue the measure will speed up development while protecting the environment and community quality of life.

Opponents of Prop. 45 say that a weakened CEQA would fail to protect people and the environment from potentially harmful developments. Critics also say that Prop. 45 would strip government agencies of tools to protect communities, as well as increase litigation and pass the long-term impacts of poorly planned development onto taxpayers.

What About Data Centers?

The Sacramento Bee reports that environmental laws experts are uncertain about whether Prop. 45 makes it easier for developers to build to data centers.

Jennifer Harder, a professor of environmental law at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, told The Bee that she “wouldn’t overly focus on data centers as a potential concern.”

Ryan Thomason, an attorney specializing in permitting for land use, said he didn’t believe data centers would be included under Prop. 45.

However, Thomason said that Prop. 45 would likely result in less stringent environmental reviews across the board.

Polling

A survey released in July by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 73% of likely voters said they would vote “yes” on Prop. 45.

Learn more about Prop. 45 and legislative efforts to ramp up housing production at this link.

Read the Prop. 45 arguments in the California Voter Information Guide.