Opinion: California Proposition 45 could ease approval of data centers and other projects
The opinion article urges California voters to reject Proposition 45, arguing that it would weaken the California Environmental Quality Act and reduce public oversight of projects including data centers. It contends the measure would benefit corporate developers while increasing pollution, sprawl, and public costs.
The Palo Alto Online opinion piece argues that Proposition 45 would weaken California’s environmental review law and make it easier to fast-track projects such as data centers, warehouses, freeway expansions and large housing developments. The authors say the measure would limit public participation and oversight while creating potential risks to air and water quality, open space and public finances.
Alice Kaufman of Green Foothills and Shani Kleinhaus of the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance urge voters to oppose the proposition. They cite opposition from environmental, labor, health, emergency-response and civic organizations, and argue that the initiative is backed by corporate interests seeking fewer regulatory obstacles rather than by affordable-housing needs.