Prop. 45 explained: Faster environmental review for "essential" projects
The measure would set deadlines for reviews and lawsuits under the California Environmental Quality Act.
SAN JOSE - Proposition 45 is a citizen initiative that would change the California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA. The law requires public agencies to study and disclose a project's harm to the environment before approving it, and lets the public sue over that review.
What it would do
According to the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO), the measure creates faster procedures for projects it defines as "essential." Supporters say those include housing, water, clean energy, roads, schools, hospitals and wildfire prevention. Applicants could choose to use the new procedures.
Agencies would have 365 business days to finish a full environmental impact report (EIR). If they miss the deadline, the applicant could request a hearing and possibly sue. Courts would face time limits to decide challenges. The applicant, rather than the agency, could develop a single alternative design for the agency to consider; current law requires the agency to consider several.
Who would be affected
Builders, utilities, local governments, neighbors of new projects and groups that file CEQA lawsuits would be affected.
What it would cost
The LAO estimates state and local costs in the high tens of millions of dollars a year, possibly more than $100 million, to meet the deadlines, partly covered by applicant fees. Long-term effects on the economy are uncertain.
Supporters and why
Supporters include the California Children's Hospital Association, the California Water Association and the California Council on Affordable Housing.
"LENGTHY DELAYS AND RED TAPE ARE BLOCKING ESSENTIAL PROJECTS & DRIVING UP OUR COST OF LIVING." - Argument in favor
Opponents and why
Opponents include the Coalition for Clean Air, California Environmental Voters, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles and the National Wildlife Federation.
"Prop. 45 lets projects move forward with far less scrutiny of their harms to air, water and public health." - Argument against
Where the parties stand
The California Republican Party supports Prop. 45; the California Democratic Party opposes it. PPIC found a majority of Republicans in support, while 54% of Democrats and 50% of independents were opposed.
The money
The largest listed Yes contributions include two $5 million checks from Building a Better California, $2.25 million and $1 million from the California Building Industry Association, $2 million each from Southern California Edison and the California Chamber of Commerce, and $1.7 million from PG&E. On the No side, Clean and Healthy California gave $5 million and $2 million, philanthropist Wendy Schmidt gave two $5 million checks, and several building trades unions gave $850,000 to $1.5 million each.
Polling
In a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey of 1,086 likely voters taken Oct. 16-22 (margin of error plus or minus 3.8 points), 46% said yes and 50% no, compared with 49% yes in September.
What your vote means
A yes vote means essential projects could use faster CEQA review with deadlines. A no vote means current review rules stay.
Source: Secretary of State, Voter Information Guide, Prop. 45; Legislative Analyst analysis, Prop. 45; Official arguments and rebuttals, Prop. 45; Secretary of State Quick Guide to Props, Prop. 45; California Democratic Party endorsements; California Republican Party endorsements; PPIC Statewide Survey, October 2026