Jane Fonda and Wendy Schmidt, wife of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, are spearheading a campaign against a November 3 ballot measure that seeks to modify aspects of California's Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Proposition 45 would shorten review timelines, limit certain litigation, and streamline the Environmental Impact Report process, intended to accelerate the construction of homes, water systems, and health facilities.
Wendy Schmidt has contributed $5 million to the campaign opposing Proposition 45. Fonda has criticized the measure, asserting it is a ploy by polluters to harm the environment. The New York Post noted that critics argue the opposition comes from wealthy individuals largely unaffected by California's high housing costs and scarcity of affordable housing.
Despite the celebrity opposition, a July poll by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that 73% of likely voters support Proposition 45. This support includes 80% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans. The poll suggests that voters recognize the impact of high building costs, often linked to environmental regulations, and the state's housing shortage.
CEQA, enacted in 1970, has faced criticism for being exploited by various groups, including retailers, lawyers, and labor unions, to serve their own interests. Some utilize CEQA litigation to slow competitors, while others leverage the law for unrelated concessions. For instance, construction unions have reportedly used the threat of CEQA litigation to secure Project Labor Agreements with above-market wages, contributing to increased housing prices. Voters are reportedly seeking a more balanced approach to environmental protection and project development without excessive delays and costs.