SB 607
Senate Bill 607 (SB 607), introduced on February 6, 2025, and amended on May 28, 2025, proposes significant changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While Neighbors for a Better California (NFABC) initially had minor concerns, the recent amendments raise substantial issues that warrant our opposition.
Bait and Switch Obfuscation
Key Changes in SB 607
Altered Threshold for Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs): The bill changes the standard for requiring an EIR from projects that "may have a significant effect" to those "more likely than not" to have such an effect. This shift could reduce the number of projects subjected to comprehensive environmental reviews.
Limited Scope for CEQA Review: For projects that fail to qualify for a categorical exemption due to a single condition, SB 607 mandates that the environmental review focus solely on that specific issue, potentially overlooking other significant environmental impacts.
Exemptions for Certain Rezoning Projects: The bill exempts rezoning actions consistent with an approved housing element from CEQA requirements, which could lead to reduced public input and oversight in land-use decisions.
Why NFABC Opposes SB 607
Erosion of Environmental Protections: By narrowing the criteria for EIRs and limiting the scope of environmental reviews, SB 607 could allow projects with significant environmental impacts to proceed without adequate assessment.
Reduced Public Participation: The bill's provisions may curtail community involvement in land-use decisions, undermining transparency and accountability.
Potential for Overdevelopment: Exempting certain rezoning projects from CEQA could lead to unchecked development, straining infrastructure and altering neighborhood character.
Call to Action
SB 607 is currently under consideration in the California State Senate. We urge community members to contact their state senators and express opposition to this bill. Protecting our environment and ensuring community involvement in development decisions are paramount.
Original Bill Language
SB 607: Expanding CEQA Exemptions for Infill Housing
SB 607 aims to further streamline CEQA by expanding exemptions for urban housing, especially in low-driving (low VMT) areas, and simplifying what must be included in environmental records during legal disputes.
What It Means:
More projects — including rezoning efforts and those aligned with state-certified housing elements — could avoid costly and lengthy CEQA reviews, even if they don't match current local zoning.
Our Concerns
The bill should not allow large projects (over 5 acres) to skip CEQA protections.
It should be limited to housing only — not used as a backdoor to exempt commercial or mixed-use projects.
Bottom Line
CEQA reform for housing can be helpful, but SB 607 must be narrowed to prevent abuse and ensure community input and environmental protection are not sidelined.