California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: Gypsum Canyon Veterans Cemetery.
Impact
By facilitating the establishment of the Gypsum Canyon Veterans Cemetery, this bill aims to provide a respectful and final resting place for veterans in the region. This measure is significant as it reflects the Legislature's commitment to fulfilling the needs of the veteran community in Orange County, which has been actively seeking this cemetery since 2014. The bill mandates that the cemetery project must undergo a less intensive land use compared to prior assessments and is designed to streamline the approval process, making it urgent and necessary for local governance.
Summary
Assembly Bill 571, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, addresses the need for a veterans cemetery in the County of Orange by exempting certain activities related to the Gypsum Canyon Veterans Cemetery from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The bill removes a legislative barrier that has delayed the construction of a cemetery dedicated to veterans, first responders, and allied veterans, while also recognizing that the County of Orange is the largest county in California without a dedicated veterans cemetery, despite being home to a large number of veterans.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 571 is generally positive among those advocating for veterans' rights and the provision of appropriate commemorative facilities. Collaborating entities, including local government and veteran organizations, have voiced their support for the cemetery. However, the necessity of removing procedural barriers raises concerns regarding the balance between swift project initiation and thorough environmental oversight, prompting some debate among stakeholders about the appropriate measures for public safety and environmental integrity.
Contention
A notable contention surrounding AB 571 is its expedited approach to bypassing typical CEQA review processes. Critics argue this could set a precedent for diminishing due diligence concerning environmental considerations for future projects. Nonetheless, proponents retain that the cemetery has undergone sufficient past environmental reviews, thereby justifying a streamlined process. The bill includes an expiry clause that repeals its provisions in 2030, which can also be seen as a compromise to allay some concerns regarding long-term implications of the exemption.