Meeting California’s ambitious climate goals will require a shift to non-polluting modes of transportation such as walking, biking, and public transit. But building the infrastructure to realize this shift often faces lengthy delays and high costs stemming from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The law has often resulted in extensive studies and litigation that add costs, slow project delivery, and shrink project ambitions.
Recent legislation changes have provided a temporary exemption from CEQA requirements for sustainable transportation projects. But the exemption will sunset in 2030.
SPUR’s analysis of the temporary exemption shows that it has proven effective. Local jurisdictions and transit agencies have used it to move forward 92 projects, from curb cuts to mobility hubs, more quickly and cost-effectively. SPUR recommends making the exemption permanent and using it as a basis for further permitting reforms. Senator Scott Wiener has already advanced one of this brief’s recommendations with the introduction of Senate Bill 71, which would make the CEQA exemption permanent. Our brief also offers further streamlining ideas such as establishing uniform application processes for project reviews, enforcing timelines for permit approvals, and ensuring that funding mechanisms are efficient and accessible.