Talking CEQA Reforms

Hating on environmental laws is now a bipartisan activity. California Democrats have leaned into the “Abundance agenda” — a progressive case for weakening regulations to build more housing, renewable energy, and other public goods — to take swipes at the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

But to what extent does California’s landmark environmental law actually hold back housing production? And are proposed reforms actually aimed at the right targets?

REQUIRED READING:

• In Defense of CEQA’s Swiss Cheese
• “What is ‘abundance’ liberalism, and why are people arguing about it?” The Guardian, March 28, 2025.

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