A group of Los Angeles residents known as L.A. Neighbors United has come out in opposition of Senate Bill 226, which would provide exemptions for some developments from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations.

Cary Brazeman, founder of the L.A. Neighbors United, is calling for a veto of SB 226 because he believes it would limit environmental reviews on development. (photo courtesy of Cary Brazeman)

Under CEQA, projects that may have a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhoods can be required to undergo an environmental impact report (EIR). The CEQA requirements are generally set in motion when a city council or other governing body determines that a project will not have a significant impact, and a lawsuit is filed to force the EIR to be conducted.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and co-authored by Sen. Juan Vargas (D-Imperial Valley), calls for projects that have previously undergone an EIR, or include significant features that are environmentally beneficial such as solar energy and water usage reduction systems, to be exempt from having to complete EIRs under CEQA. The legislation has been sent to the governor for his review.

Cary Brazeman, founder of L.A. Neighbors United and a member of the Mid-City West Community Council, has called on Gov. Jerry Brown to veto SB 226. He claims the law would allow cities and counties to use old EIRs when considering zoning changes; and would allow cities and counties to circumvent having to examine how new projects would impact emergency services, schools, libraries and traffic congestion. Brazeman also contends that the law would have a severe impact on areas where there is not enough infrastructure in place to support growth. His organization ran a full page ad in the Sept. 18 Los Angeles Times.

Brazeman said L.A. Neighbors United is comprised of approximately 100 residents from throughout Los Angeles, but declined to provide any of their identities. He added that he learned about SB 226 a little over 10 days ago, and moved quickly to secure donations from members to pay for the ad because he believes SB 226 threatens residents’ ability to fight unwanted development. Of particular concern are provisions within the bill that encourage in-fill development, or projects on vacant parcels.

“Our fear is that in our area, and throughout the city and the state, we will see traffic increases and pollution increases because we will no longer be available to challenge them on the basis of an environmental impact analysis,” Brazeman said. “It significantly undermines CEQA. CEQA requires that when you want to allow additional growth, you look at the impact of that growth. This law would basically waive the cities’ requirement to do that.  You wouldn’t have to analyze the impact on fire service, and wouldn’t have to look at street capacity or traffic. We feel there is a hidden agenda. We think the policy makers are trying to pull a fast one.”

Simitian was out of the country and was not available for comment, but a member of his staff, who declined to be identified, only offered information on background. He said the bill is an attempt to make it easier for projects to move forward in dilapidated neighborhoods where many vacant lots exist, and to encourage more environmentally-friendly development. The bill would not automatically exempt projects, but would set guidelines that would apply on a case-by-case basis. If a developer had completed a previous EIR but delayed construction and new potential impacts were identified, the project could still have to have a new EIR. Projects would also have to meet strict environmental standards such a requiring a solar energy system, or requiring that the projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Evan Westrup, a spokesperson for Gov. Jerry Brown, said the governor’s office does not comment on legislation that has not yet been signed. Westrup added that SB 226 is one of 500 to 600 bills currently awaiting the governor’s review and signature.