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Brown Signs Two Measures to Streamline Environmental Reviews

Brown Signs Two Measures to Streamline Environmental Reviews
Getting a development project through California’s complex environmental review process just got a lot quicker – at least, for some large projects.

Watch Wednesday to find out how AB-900 could effect a downtown Chargers stadium in San Diego.

Getting a development project through California’s complex environmental review process just got a lot quicker – at least, for some large projects.

Governor Jerry Brown has signed two bills into law that will streamline the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA.

One applies only to a potential NFL stadium and convention center in Los Angeles, where Brown held his signing ceremony Tuesday. The other fast-tracks projects that cost at least $100 million, pay high-wage jobs and don’t create any additional pollution. Those projects will have to be certified by the governor, who assured he’s ready and willing.

"So anybody who wants to build anything big, come in and see me, because this is a streamlined, fast-track, get-it-done job bill," said Brown.

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Many environmental groups oppose the measures and worry they will weaken the state’s historically strong CEQA review process.