• World News
  • Politics
  • Stock
  • Investing
  • Editor’s Pick
Time And Sales Reporter
Editor's PickInvesting

Should California Waive Environmental Laws?

by January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025

Jeffrey Miron

housing, build

On January 12, California Governor Gavin Newson signed an executive order waving permitting requirements for homeowners and businesses affected by the fires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The directive suspends sections of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, aiming to expedite the rebuilding of as many as 12,000 homes destroyed in the fires.

Even before the fires, the typical home in California was $790,742, 220 percent of the national average. Moreover, the Wall Street Journal points out that California’s onerous building codes and permitting fees contribute to astronomical “affordable” housing costs, where units can cost $1 million to build. The state’s regulatory framework is widely regarded as a significant barrier to development; by requiring environmental reviews and opening the door for lawsuits, CEQA and the Coastal Act delay projects for years, driving up costs and discouraging investment.

Governor Newsom’s executive order waives permits previously justified as necessary for environmental protection and sustainable development. But if these regulations were essential before the fires, why suspend them now? The risks they seek to mitigate, such as soil erosion and waterway contamination, still exist post-fire and may be amplified by rushed rebuilding.

On the other hand, if these regulations were always excessive, then why limit their suspension to fire recovery? In the past, CEQA exemptions have been granted for high-profile projects such as sports stadiums and affordable housing developments. These cases highlight an inconsistency: the state recognizes that CEQA hinders timely and efficient development but has so far resisted broader reform. Why not reform or relax the laws to make them less onerous everywhere, rather than relying on piecemeal exceptions during crises?

Newsom’s executive order exposes a fundamental tension in California’s housing policy. If the regulations are too restrictive for disaster recovery, they are likely too restrictive broadly. And if they truly are necessary, they should remain, even in the face of the fires.

This article appeared on Substack on January 29, 2025. Jonah Karafiol, a student at Harvard College, co-wrote this post.

previous post
How DOJ Helps Federal Prosecutors Escape Accountability & Evade Public Scrutiny
next post
Scorched-earth Shanahan: RFK Jr.’s former running mate threatens political war against confirmation opponents

Related Posts

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns, claiming parent company...

September 18, 2025

Gold Price Breaks US$3,700, Then Falls as Fed...

September 18, 2025

Lo Herma Hydrogeology Testing & Resource Expansion Drilling

September 18, 2025

Zeus Resources: Unlocking Morocco’s High-grade Antimony in a...

September 18, 2025

How to Invest in Vanadium Stocks

September 18, 2025

Successful Heavily Supported Placement to Raise $25.1 Million

September 18, 2025







    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.




    Recent Posts

    • Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns, claiming parent company Unilever ‘silenced’ its campaigning

      September 18, 2025
    • 4 House Republicans vote with Dems to block resolution censuring Ilhan Omar for Charlie Kirk comments

      September 18, 2025
    • House clears path for vote honoring Charlie Kirk, denouncing ‘political extremism’

      September 18, 2025
    • Schiff: Patel’s FBI leadership replaced expertise with ‘rabid partisanship’

      September 18, 2025
    • Manchin recalls close ties with ‘outsider’ Trump, cold shoulder from Obama in new book

      September 18, 2025
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 timeandsalesreporter.com | All Rights Reserved

    Time And Sales Reporter
    • World News
    • Politics
    • Stock
    • Investing
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Brunswick Exploration Announces AGM Results

    June 14, 2025

    What is the VIX Index?

    April 29, 2025

    Petty Grievances, Erosion of the Rule of Law...

    March 12, 2025