(IMAGN) New houses are.under construction off Hwy 90 in East Milton on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.
Oakland, CA – Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat, is pushing for sweeping changes to California’s permitting process, arguing it’s a critical step to address the state’s housing crisis, climate change, and economic woes, while also bolstering the Democratic Party’s standing.
Wicks, who led a select committee on “permitting reform,” released a report detailing the significant roadblocks posed by the slow and complex approval process for construction projects. The report concludes that “it is too damn hard to build anything in California,” highlighting the need to expedite approvals for housing, renewable energy, water infrastructure, and public transportation.
The report calls for building millions of new housing units and EV chargers, thousands of miles of transit, and accelerating climate-related projects at three times the current rate. While the report itself is technical, it sets the stage for a major legislative battle, with lawmakers preparing to introduce numerous bills focused on streamlining permitting for various sectors.
The urgency for reform is driven by several factors, including the state’s persistent housing shortage, the need to meet ambitious climate goals, and the political pressure to address rising costs of living. The recent Los Angeles wildfires have also underscored the need to expedite rebuilding and fire prevention projects.
A key point of contention is the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a 1970 law that requires environmental impact reviews for development projects. Critics argue that CEQA is often misused to delay or block projects, while defenders maintain it’s essential for protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring transparency.
Wicks and other proponents of reform argue that CEQA needs to be reformed to achieve housing and climate goals. They point to successful exemptions for accessory dwelling units, EV chargers, and environmental restoration projects as potential templates.
However, environmental groups express concerns about weakening CEQA, arguing it’s a crucial tool for protecting communities. The debate is expected to be heated, with lawmakers considering various proposals, including bills that would create exemptions for urban housing projects and streamline environmental reviews.
Wicks emphasized the need to find a balance between streamlining projects and protecting the environment, stating, “Right now, there are too many opportunities in the process to put a wrench in the gears.” She also warned that Democrats will face political consequences if they fail to address the permitting issue.
