Ballot measure to streamline environmental permitting for building projects fails
California voters rejected Proposition 45, which would have imposed deadlines on environmental permitting reviews and legal challenges for several types of construction projects. Opponents warned the measure could have benefited data center developers and weakened protections for air, water and natural resources.
California voters rejected Proposition 45 by roughly 56% to 44%, blocking a proposal that would have streamlined environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act. The measure would have required agencies to decide environmental impact reports within 365 business days and courts to resolve related challenges within 270 days for projects including housing, clean energy, water infrastructure, transportation and broadband.
Supporters, including the California Chamber of Commerce and construction interests, said the measure would accelerate development and address housing and infrastructure needs. Environmental, labor and public health groups opposed it, arguing that it would give developers an unfair advantage and weaken environmental protections. Opponents also warned that data centers might seek to use the streamlined process, although proponents argued the measure did not cover them and its chief attorney said he would oppose any such application in court.