Governor seeks to terminate environmental restrictions
January 14, 2010
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants 100 major construction projects across the state exempted from California environmental laws. [Capitol Weekly]
The plan, already coming under heavy attack, would block the power of the courts to review 25 projects each year, from 2011 through 2014, giving final approval power to the governor.
Supporters of the plan see the exemptions as a means of expediting construction, creating jobs, and boosting the states struggling economy. The proposal gives final authority to the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, whose director is a member of the governor’s cabinet.
There are no indications of specific projects being identified at this point, though Governor Schwarzenegger already signed a bill last year, streamlining regulations to build a new NFL stadium in the City of Industry.
Environmentalists claim that the governor’s plan would weaken critical environmental safeguards.
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