CEQA

Major CEQA Legislation Passes First Committee Test

Amy Quinton — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:45:06 +0000

Lawmakers are considering a number of bills that would change California’s Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. The more than 40-year-old law guides almost all development projects in the state.

The bill garnering the most attention passed its first legislative test today. Democratic Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg’s bill would streamline some aspects of the environmental law.

Governor Brown Says CEQA Changes Aren't Likely

Amy Quinton — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:37:46 +0000

California Governor Jerry Brown says he likely won’t be able to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA) this legislative session. He says he believes it would be difficult to move the process forward.

But the comment took Democratic Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg by surprise. He says he intends to continue fighting for his legislation that makes changes to CEQA.

Why Unions Oppose Overhauling CEQA

Ben Adler — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:08:47 +0000

The coalition of groups that will fight efforts in the state legislature this year to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act is taking shape. It includes environmental groups, some Democratic lawmakers … and labor unions. Ben Adler reports from Sacramento on why unions are on this side of the CEQA debate.

Analysis: Big Issues Await Rubio In New Job As Oil Industry Lobbyist

Joe Moore — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:21:47 +0000

When former state Senator Michael Rubio begins work in Sacramento Monday as government relations manager for Chevron, he'll arrive to a full slate of issues involving the oil industry.

While state law prohibits ex-elected officials from registering as lobbyists for one year after leaving office, Rubio is expected to sidestep that provision by assuming a management role with the oil giant.

Dozens of Bills Introduced to Change Environmental Law

Amy Quinton — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:40:17 +0000

California lawmakers have introduced more than a dozen bills that make changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA. As Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, critics of the 43-year-old law say it’s a barrier to economic growth.

Fresno County To Allow Developers to Select Their Own Environmental Consultants

Joe Moore — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:15:12 +0000

Developers in Fresno County will soon be able to hire firms of their own choosing to study the environmental impacts of proposed projects.

The Board of Supervisors approved the new policy Tuesday on a 5-0 vote, saying that it will speed up the development process, and help to create jobs.

What Does Senator Michael Rubio's Resignation Mean For the Valley?

Joe Moore — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:38:21 +0000

State Senator Michael Rubio stunned political observers with his surprise resignation on Friday morning. A moderate Democrat, Rubio was leading efforts to change the state's landmark environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act.

Bill Calls For New Courts Dedicated to CEQA Cases

Amy Quinton — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:32:15 +0000

Lawsuits under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA are often criticized for delaying projects. But as Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, one lawmaker has introduced a bill that he says might speed up the judicial process.

Fight Over Key Environmental Law Heats Up In Sacramento

Amy Quinton — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:58:40 +0000

What some see as California’s most important environmental law, others see as an economic impediment. The 43-year-old California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, guides almost every development project in the state.

Governor Jerry Brown and many lawmakers say it’s time to modernize it. But As Amy Quinton reports, how to do that is a question with no easy answers.

Overhaul of Environmental Law Dead for the Year

Ben Adler — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 01:44:10 +0000

A last-minute effort at the State Capitol to overhaul California’s complex environmental review process for development projects is dead for the year. A big push from business and labor groups to reform the law came to an abrupt halt today.