How the Abuse of CEQA Contributes to the Housing Crisis

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was intended to give lawmakers and communities necessary information on the environmental impact of government decisions, such as whether to approve new construction. Over the 50 years that the law has been in effect, however, it has become a roadblock to new housing construction in California. Much of this new construction would, in fact, support California’s environmental goals by creating housing close to jobs and transit, minimizing the environmental impact of commuting. CEQA has become a roadblock to new development by opening up projects to lawsuits, often from wealthier, whiter communities that oppose the construction of dense housing.