Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.
The exemption from CEQA is intended to streamline the approval process for housing projects, thereby facilitating faster implementation of capital improvement projects. By providing this exemption, AB 1952 aims to encourage local jurisdictions to leverage state funds more effectively for developing qualifying infill areas. This is seen as a significant measure to alleviate the growing housing crisis in California, where the demand for housing often outstrips available supply due to regulatory hurdles.
Assembly Bill 1952, authored by Assembly Member Gallagher, seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code, specifically relating to the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019. This bill aims to enhance the original grant program by exempting certain projects funded through this initiative from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements. This change would allow for projects that support housing and infrastructure development to proceed without the delays often imposed by extensive environmental impact reviews. With a budget of $500 million allocated for the program, the bill emphasizes an urgent response to California's housing needs and infrastructure deficits.
However, the bill has generated discussion about potential environmental implications. Opponents of the bill may argue that bypassing CEQA reviews could lead to increased environmental degradation or overlook vital ecological assessments that ensure sustainable development practices. Proponents assert that this change is necessary for addressing urgent housing needs without compromising environmental integrity, as certain legal actions and decisions will still adhere to established state protocols but without the extensive analysis traditionally required.