California has reformed its environmental protection law, CEQA, to expedite housing construction and address the state's housing crisis. Governor Newsom threatened to veto the budget unless changes were made, arguing CEQA created bureaucratic hurdles. The revised law exempts infill housing and some manufacturing sites from stringent reviews, although this move faces opposition from environmental and social justice groups who fear it will harm low-income communities and the environment. The changes aim to accelerate housing development but come at the cost of some progressive priorities due to the state's budget deficit.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.