California voters to decide Prop 45 to change how environmental laws impact key construction
California voters will decide Proposition 45, which would accelerate environmental reviews and limit the time available for lawsuits involving designated infrastructure projects. Critics warn the measure could allow data centers and other controversial developments to bypass meaningful environmental review, while supporters say it would preserve protections and reduce unnecessary delays.
California voters are set to decide whether Proposition 45 should change how the California Environmental Quality Act applies to major infrastructure projects. The measure would designate projects involving housing, clean water, hospitals, transportation, wildfire prevention, schools, clean energy and broadband as essential, limiting environmental reviews to one year and CEQA lawsuits to 270 days.
The proposal has prompted debate over whether broadband-related projects could include data centers. Bill Magavern of the Coalition for Clean Air said shortened deadlines could weaken air and water protections and limit public participation, while California Chamber of Commerce spokesman John Myers argued that the measure preserves environmental safeguards and would prevent costly, lengthy delays. Critics also contend it could undermine a recently signed law preventing data centers from receiving blanket special treatment under state environmental rules; any resulting dispute could ultimately be resolved in court.