Politics & Government
Lawmakers Rally to Save CEQA Law
The California Environmental Quality Act has protected communities from pollution and given the public a chance to voice concerns for 42 years.
Thirty-two Sacamento lawmakers are taking a stand against possible last-minute legislation to undermine California’s most significant environmental protection law, the California Environmental Quality Act.
Among the lawmakers are Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who represent Marin County.
The 42-year old law, known as CEQA (pronounced SEE-quah) has protected communities from pollution and allowed citizens to have a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods, public health and quality of life.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In a letter sent to Senate Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez, Huffman and his colleagues urged the leaders to “oppose any proposal to create significant new exemptions or otherwise re-write CEQA in the days ahead.”
“The protections CEQA affords are too important to change without careful, thoughtful analysis and review by stakeholders, the public, and a full, deliberative legislative process,” said Huffman in the letter. “We stand ready to work with you on thoughtful CEQA improvements.”
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Are you concerned about legislation to weaken the California Environmental Quality Act?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
