Lawmakers Rally to Save CEQA Law

Thirty-two Sacamento lawmakers are taking a stand against possible last-minute legislation to undermine California’s most significant environmental protection law, the California Environmental Quality Act.

Among the lawmakers are Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and and Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who represent Marin County.

The 42-year old law, known as CEQA or "SEE-quah," has protected communities from pollution and allowed citizens to have a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods, public health and quality of life. 

In a letter sent to Senate Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez, Huffman and his colleagues urged the leaders to “oppose any proposal to create significant new exemptions or otherwise re-write CEQA in the days ahead.”

“The protections CEQA affords are too important to change without careful, thoughtful analysis and review by stakeholders, the public, and a full, deliberative legislative process,” said Huffman in the letter. “We stand ready to work with you on thoughtful CEQA improvements.”

The following legislators signed the attached letter:

• Jared Huffman
• Michael Allen
• Marty Block
• Das Williams
• Lois Wolk
• Noreen Evans
• Jerry Hill
• Fran Pavley
• Elaine Alquist
• Christine Kehoe
• Loni Hancock
• Mark DeSaulnier
• Mark Leno
• Alan Lowenthal
• Mariko Yamada
• Anthony Portantino
• Paul Fong
• Julia Brownley
• Wesley Chesbro
• Roger Dickinson
• Bob Blumenfield
• Tom Ammiano
• Mike Feuer
• Toni Atkins
• Holly Mitchell                    
• Susan Bonilla
• Nancy Skinner
• Betsy Butler
• Wilmer Amina Carter
• Sandré Swanson
• Bill Monning
• Ben Hueso
• Rich Gordon