New State Legislation to Align Housing, Climate, Environmental Goals
AB 609 from Asm. Buffy Wicks Puts the “E” Back in CEQA
Streamlined Review for New Homes that Reduce Pollution, Sprawl, and Other Impacts
Read more about AB 609 here.
Sacramento, CA – Today California YIMBY and State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks announced Assembly Bill 609, new state legislation that will streamline the process of environmental review for housing located in existing urban areas. These types of homes, commonly referred to as “infill housing,” are proven to dramatically reduce environmental impacts, including air and water pollution and habitat fragmentation, while reducing pressures to develop open spaces and agricultural lands.
AB 609 exempts infill housing from additional review under the California Environmental Quality Act, while preserving CEQA review for planning and other processes that cities use to ensure new housing development complies with relevant environmental laws.
“Housing policy is climate policy—but California’s rules still treat new urban homes like environmental threats,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “The science is clear: building infill housing in cities reduces pollution that causes climate change. AB 609 codifies that science in law.”
Housing and climate researchers have shown that infill housing near jobs, transit, schools, and other amenities is the most effective strategy for reducing climate pollution in most California metropolitan areas. These types of homes also concentrate housing growth in areas that are already developed, with roads, water and sewer systems, and other infrastructure – thereby reducing the need to use more undeveloped land and natural resources for expanded infrastructure.
AB 609 removes the requirement that new infill housing conduct environmental reviews while preserving CEQA review for general plan amendments and the adoption of revised zoning ordinances. Under the bill’s provisions, proposed infill projects would still be subject to local zoning and objective standards for new housing developments, which must comply with CEQA.
Read more about AB 609 here.
About California YIMBY: California YIMBY is a community of neighbors who welcome more neighbors. We believe that an equitable California begins with abundant, secure, affordable housing. We focus on housing and land use policy at the state and local level to ensure grassroots organizers and city leaders have the tools they need to accelerate home building. https://cayimby.org/