California’s most aggressive housing-infrastructure reform yet is now law. It promises faster development; especially for dense, transit-friendly projects, but raises critical questions about environmental oversight and community input. The challenge moving forward is ensuring that speed doesn’t sacrifice sustainability, equity, or resilience.

California’s housing crisis has pushed lawmakers to take a hard look at one of the state’s most influential environmental laws; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While CEQA plays a vital role in protecting the environment, it’s also been criticized for delaying or blocking housing projects, especially in urban areas where development is needed most. We break down the key reforms currently in the works, what they aim to fix, and how they could reshape the future of housing and development across the state.

​While CEQA remains a vital tool for environmental protection, its misuse has hindered efforts to address California's housing crisis. Reforming CEQA to prevent its weaponization, while preserving its core environmental safeguards, is essential for the state's future. By streamlining the environmental review process for urban housing projects and curbing frivolous lawsuits, California can promote sustainable development that meets the needs of its growing population.