Latest news with #EnvironmentalImpactReport
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California walks back environmental law for housing, advanced manufacturing
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. The California Legislature has rolled back provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in an effort to spur housing construction and cut red tape for other types of projects, according to a June 30 news release from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed the legislation the same day. The rollbacks, which came as part of the state's 2025-2026 budget and are now in effect, will exempt certain types of projects from the environmental reviews necessary under the CEQA. Exemptions, according to a blog post from law firm Allen Matkins, include: Urban infill housing developments. Housing element rezoning. Advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and broadband projects. High-speed rail projects. Day care centers not located in residential areas. Rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit food banks/pantries. Agricultural employee housing projects. Certain wildfire risk reduction projects. Certain public parks and nonmotorized recreational trail facilities. Certain community water system and sewer service projects. Updates to the state's climate adaptation strategy. The CEQA, which was signed into law in 1970 by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, is commonly referred to as a piece of landmark environmental legislation. The CEQA required state and local governments to study and publicize what it considered likely impacts to the environment around projects. Because of the rollbacks, housing developers won't face the ongoing threat of open litigation that has been the norm in the state under the rule, CalMatters reported. Phillip Babich, an attorney in law firm Reed Smith's San Francisco office, said that the implications for higher-density housing projects are significant. The environmental impact process, before the changes, could take a year and a half from beginning to end. This time didn't count administrative appeals or litigation, the latter of which routinely put developers on edge. 'I would say that it was happening frequently enough where project developers would be discouraged in terms of moving forward with the proposal, and also public agencies would be shy at approving project applications for housing and other types of projects unless there was a clear path toward an exemption or an exception,' Babich said. Babich said that significantly, a time-consuming Environmental Impact Report is not required for these projects. Previously, a challenger could put forward their own evidence and say that a project would, in fact, have a significant impact on the environment. Under these changes, Babich said, that is no longer the case. However, Babich said the law still requires what's called a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment. This, Babich said, looks at the historical uses of the property, the possibility of any toxic contaminants, its proximity to other toxic sites, and potentially the existence of any underground storage tanks. 'There will be a fairly thorough look at a property before the housing project qualifies for the exemptions. And I think that's something that the public should be aware of,' Babich said. Depending on the backlog, Babich said, projects have the potential to be approved, and permits issued, within two to three months. Newsom, in an effort to push the changes through, tied his support of the state's $321 billion budget bill to the CEQA rollbacks, CalMatters reported on June 30. The outcome is far different from a 2016 attempt to take a hatchet to the legislation, which was stymied by a coalition of opponents that included local governments, construction labor unions and environmental activists, per CalMatters. Detractors of the law criticized it for providing cover for groups and individuals who wished to stop or hinder a project through the threat, or filing, of lawsuits. Tom Soohoo, vice president of business development and marketing at San Francisco-based builder Webcor, said that the company has witnessed the unintended consequences of CEQA over time. 'We've seen well-conceived projects get delayed for years, driving up costs and pushing much-needed housing further out of reach for Californians,' Soohoo said in a statement. He now hopes that the rollbacks will achieve an equilibrium between public input and environmental safeguards. 'If the recent CEQA changes can strike that balance — ensuring that sustainability and community voices are still prioritized while reducing unnecessary delays — then we see it as a constructive step forward,' Soohoo said in a statement to Construction Dive. 'We support efforts that bring stakeholders together to achieve shared goals: building more housing, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment.' Supporters of the environmental law decried the process that pushed the rollbacks through, which they called undemocratic. The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, an environmental advocacy organization based in the state, said that the rollbacks would pave the way for toxic developments. 'This bill represents the worst anti-environmental, anti-safety and anti-public health legislation California has seen in recent memory,' said Ana Gonzalez, CCAEJ's executive director, in the news release.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. 'When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report,' said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. 'The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location.' The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. 'Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits,' said Tilden. 'But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security.' On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again?
Up until the 1970s, California was a state known for its commitment to boundless opportunities, with the Edmund G. "Pat" Brown governorship reflective of the can-do spirit that drew people here from across the world. Given the degree to which modern California is noted for its ineffectiveness, wastefulness, and regulatory sclerosis, it's difficult to imagine a California that took its Golden State moniker seriously. Brown "envisioned a future in which economic growth would be driven by a network of state-of-the-art freeways to move people, reservoirs, and canals to capture and transport water and intellectual capital from low-cost institutions of higher education. He sold that vision to the public and, in doing so, as the late historian Kevin Starr wrote, putting California on "the cutting edge of the American experiment," per a Hoover Institution retrospective. The state grew dramatically as a result. The Brown administration built most of the State Water Project in less time than it would take to complete an Environmental Impact Report these days. California officials still have big dreams, of course, but they are more of the social-engineering variety than the civil-engineering type. Brown built freeways that people actually use, whereas today's big project is a pointless high-speed rail line that's way over budget and unlikely to serve any serious need. It took 24 years to build a new east span of the Bay Bridge—and it came in at 2,500% over budget. California can't even house its population now, thanks largely to environmental rules, no-growth restrictions, urban-growth boundaries, and other government regulations. Yet California lawmakers show no appetite to reform the biggest impediment, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), except on a piecemeal basis. Many liberals are frustrated, and conservatives now are the ones most likely to tout the Pat Brown era. But a funny thing is happening as progressives struggle for a response to a revanchist MAGA movement that shows its own nativist hostility to economic growth and opportunity. Many of the Left's more thoughtful voices are essentially re-embracing the types of pro-growth policies that were once a mainstay among Democrats such as Pat Brown. Ironically, it was Brown's son, Jerry, who during his first term as governor (he actually was a good governor in his more recent iteration), pitched the "era of limits" nonsense that mucked up the works. Like all burgeoning political movements, this Pat-Brown-style liberalism has a name: the Abundance Movement. We've seen some signs of its emergence. For instance, the YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) movement has scored myriad legislative victories as it promotes the construction of new housing within the urban footprint. The new book, Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson has sparked the idea's widespread acceptance mostly among frustrated liberals. It's music to my not-so-liberal ears, as the subhead on my 2020 In his New York Times column, Klein nails the importance of a politics based on abundance—and on the failure of Democratic-run states to live up to any of their grandiose promises: "This is the policy failure haunting blue states. It has become too hard to build and too expensive to live in the places where Democrats govern. It is too hard to build homes. It is too hard to build clean energy. It is too hard to build mass transit. The problem isn't technical: We know how to build apartment complexes and solar panel arrays and train lines. The problem is the rules and the laws and political cultures that govern construction in many blue states." Per Politico, Gov. Gavin Newsom interviewed Klein in his latest podcast. But Newsom plays it too clever by half. "You pick on, understandably, San Francisco. But you can look at almost any city, including a Republican-held city like Huntington Beach, and these same rules and restrictions apply there, and the same frustrations," Newsom said. Well, sure, I've ridiculed Huntington Beach's conservative majority for enacting anti-growth policies—but they fester mainly in liberal cities and states. One cannot build anything here without navigating a maze of regulatory provisions that delay progress, spark litigation or trigger bureaucratic reviews. As Klein added, "In 2023, California saw a net loss of 268,000 residents; in Illinois, the net loss was 93,000; in New York, 179,000. Why are they leaving? In surveys, the dominant reason is simply this: The cost of living is too high." Democrats would have a stronger rebuke to Trumpism if our public services were the national model rather than a laughingstock—and if our leaders learned to value the private sector and not simply build bigger government. Abundance sounds like the right ticket—but only if state officials can return to Pat-Brown-style governance rather than use the term as a talking point. This column was first published in The Orange County Register. The post Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again? appeared first on
