(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) introduced AB 1886 to promote environmentally sound infill development projects in cities across California. This bill would allow more projects to qualify for a CEQA relief as a transit priority project.
“Infill housing development is the key to creating sustainable communities across California, unfortunately the vast majority of California cities are unable to take advantage of efforts to promote infill,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “This bill will expand the number of cities, like Sacramento, which can promote infill development.”
West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon stated, "Environmentally sound infill projects that strengthen our communities often don't survive the gauntlet of unintended CEQA roadblocks, so I applaud Assemblymember McCarty's efforts to promote quality infill and transit through smart CEQA streamlining."
“For over a decade the Board has endorsed regulatory streamlining efforts that support the Sacramento Region Blueprint," said SACOG Executive Director Mike McKeever.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a landmark environmental effort by a wide range of stakeholders to require thoughtful review of projects. Unfortunately, many environmentally friendly infill projects which would otherwise qualify for streamlining provisions are unable to because of the current definitions. Outside of Los Angeles and the Bay Area, very few urban areas are able to promote urban infill development projects by utilizing these streamlining provisions.
AB 1886 would alter mass transit definitions, thereby greatly expanding the number of California cities which will be able to promote environmentally friendly infill projects. The bill will be eligible for hearings in spring.