CA Prop. 45: YIMBYs don’t agree on this CEQA reform
California Proposition 45 would speed up CEQA environmental reviews for housing and other essential projects, but its potential effect on data centers has become a point of political debate. Supporters say the measure does not cover data centers, while opponents argue its broadband provisions could make them easier to develop.
California Proposition 45 would establish firm deadlines for environmental reviews and related lawsuits involving housing and other essential infrastructure projects. The measure has divided pro-housing groups, with YIMBY Action and California YIMBY declining to recommend a position while other advocates support or oppose it over concerns about sprawl, pollution and the scope of CEQA reform.
Opponents have increasingly linked the measure to data centers, arguing that its reference to broadband infrastructure could weaken recently enacted state safeguards. The California Office of Legislative Counsel concluded that data centers are not included in the measure's definition of broadband internet access service, a position echoed by proposition proponent Kurt Oneto. If approved, Proposition 45 would impose deadlines on environmental reports, public comments and court challenges but would not change local zoning.