Proposition 45 – Environmental Review
IJ Action Recommendation: VOTE NO
Summary
Prop 45 would fundamentally change the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to help developers move “essential” building projects more quickly and easily. It would impose a 365 environmental review limit for these projects, and limit lawsuits to 270 days.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue that development is often stalled by environmental reviews that are overly bureaucratic. They say that the costs of these building delays for projects like bridges, housing, and roads are often passed down to consumers. Prop 45 is sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce and supported by other industries interested in faster building, such as the California Building Industry Association.
Opponents Say
Opponents say that California has strong environmental protection laws in place to make sure that new building developments don’t harm the environment. They claim that Prop 45 is funded by large corporations and polluters who care more about their profits than protecting our environment. Prop 45 is opposed by dozens of environmental advocacy organizations such as the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action, community organizations such as LA Forward and CA Calls, and the CA Democratic party.
IJ Action Recommendation
VOTE NO. Prop 45 is an attempt by large corporations, the oil industry, and utility companies to get around environmental review processes. CEQA is a landmark law that protects our land, water, and air, and these protections must be kept in place.