Prop 45

Amends California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to expedite environmental review for certain projects (including most housing, transportation, water, and health projects) by setting deadlines to complete environmental review and resolve lawsuits challenging project approvals. 

Fiscal Impact: Initial costs for state and local governments, likely in the high tens of millions of dollars—potentially exceeding $100 million—annually, partly covered by fees. Uncertain, potentially more significant positive or negative longer-term fiscal effects. 

Supporters: California Children’s Hospital Association; California Water Association; California Council for Affordable Housing 

Opponents: Coalition for Clean Air; CA Environmental Voters; Physicians for Social Responsibility, LA; National Wildlife Federation

WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS

YES
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain public and private projects would be eligible for new project review and court challenge procedures. For example, new procedures would tighten time limits for environmental review and reduce the scope of what courts can consider when reviewing legal challenges.

NO
A NO vote on this measure means: Public and private projects would continue to use existing project review and court challenge procedures.

ARGUMENTS

PROThe failing status quo is making California unaffordable. Prop. 45 fixes our broken system and lowers our high cost of living by cutting red tape to build housing, water, schools, hospitals, clean energy, and wildfire prevention faster—while maintaining California’s strong environmental protections. Vote YES for a more affordable California. YESonProp45.com

CONPROPOSITION 45 LIMITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF PROJECTS BUILT IN YOUR COMMUNITY. It guts The California Environmental Quality Act—flipping California law to protect corporate profits over public health and our air and water. Prop. 45 won’t lower your costs: its utility and corporate funders profit while taxpayers pay more. VOTE NO.