Boiling Point: Abundance Part 1 – Rethinking CEQA to Build More Homes
Released July 24, 2025 | Host: Sammy Roth, LA Times Studios

Introduction to CEQA and Its Impact on California Housing

In the opening segment of this episode, Sammy Roth and co-host Liam Dillon delve into the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a pivotal piece of legislation that has significantly influenced the state's housing development landscape. CEQA, enacted in 1970 under Governor Ronald Reagan, mandates that any development project disclose and mitigate its environmental impacts before approval. While ostensibly straightforward, CEQA has become a complex tool that both protects environmental interests and, inadvertently, hampers housing growth.

Sammy Roth [06:27]:
“CEQA passed, signed into law by Ronald Reagan... All it really says is that any proponent of any particular development project must disclose and if possible, lessen the environmental effects of a project before being approved.”

Recent Legislative Reforms and CEQA Exemptions

The episode highlights recent legislative changes aimed at reforming CEQA to address California's housing shortage. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed two bills that introduce CEQA exemptions for certain housing projects, particularly low-rise and mid-rise developments in urban areas.

Sammy Roth [15:05]:
“...there is a clean exemption from the CEQA rules that we had just talked about earlier for that kind of housing.”

These reforms remove the requirement for detailed environmental reviews for qualifying projects, streamlining the approval process and reducing the associated risks and costs for developers.

Debating the Risks and Benefits of CEQA

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the dual nature of CEQA as both a protector of environmental and community interests and a barrier to necessary housing development. While statistics suggest that only a small percentage of housing projects face CEQA-related lawsuits, the perceived risk of litigation creates substantial hesitation among developers.

Sammy Roth [10:24]:
“Developers have told me it’s really impossible to quantify the threat of litigation.”

The conversation underscores how CEQA serves as a leverage point, allowing various stakeholders—from environmental groups to large developers—to influence development outcomes beyond standard city council approvals.

The Concept of Abundance and Its Relevance to Housing and Climate

Central to this episode is the concept of "abundance," popularized by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson in their book Abundance. The idea posits that to achieve Democratic goals such as affordable housing and renewable energy, it is imperative to reduce regulatory barriers that impede construction and development.

Sammy Roth [30:50]:
“This has been really popularized in Democratic circles... It argues that Democrats have, in blue states, gotten in their own way when it comes to producing the things that we say we need... more affordable housing, more clean energy... you have to build more houses, you have to build the solar fields... you have to build high-speed rail.”

Governor Newsom leverages this concept to justify the recent CEQA reforms, aiming to make it easier to develop housing and, by extension, support climate goals by promoting denser, more sustainable urban living.

Labor Requirements and Union Influence in Housing Development

Another critical aspect discussed is the role of labor requirements in the newly exempted housing projects. For 100% affordable housing developments, developers must now adhere to union-level wages, a stipulation intended to ensure fair labor practices without using CEQA as a bargaining chip.

Sammy Roth [27:04]:
“Developers of those 100% affordable projects will have to pay construction workers union level wages in order for that exemption to take effect.”

This change removes one of the traditional leverage points for organized labor, potentially reshaping the dynamics between developers, unions, and affordable housing initiatives.

Environmental Concerns and Future Implications

The episode does not shy away from the environmental criticisms of the CEQA reforms. Critics argue that exemptions may lead to insufficient environmental oversight, allowing projects that could harm ecosystems, increase pollution, or exacerbate climate risks to proceed unchecked.

Liam Dillon [20:57]:
“This bill is the worst anti-environmental bill in California in recent memory.”

Despite these concerns, supporters argue that the urgent need for housing and the broader benefits of increased urban density for climate mitigation justify the reforms. They contend that more housing, even if not entirely affordable, can alleviate price pressures and reduce the carbon footprint associated with sprawling development.

Sammy Roth [22:24]:
“A lot of the modeling... shows that you’re still not going to meet the climate goals... without a significant reduction in driving. The only way that happens... is to have people live closer to where they work.”

Balancing Growth and Environmental Protection

The conversation ultimately centers on finding the right balance between fostering housing development to address affordability and ensuring that such growth does not come at the expense of environmental integrity. The "abundance" strategy represents an attempt to recalibrate this balance, promoting development where it can be most beneficial while maintaining necessary protections.

Sammy Roth [21:11]:
“What are we gonna do? It has to go somewhere.”

Looking Ahead: Potential for Further CEQA Reforms

As the episode concludes, Roth and Dillon ponder the future of CEQA and housing policy in California. While the recent reforms mark significant progress, the piecemeal nature of these changes suggests that more comprehensive reforms may be on the horizon as the state continues to grapple with housing shortages and climate challenges.

Sammy Roth [39:30]:
“...there are still octaves of CEQA reform efforts to try to spur housing production in the state for sure.”

Notable Quotes

1. Ezra Klein [00:27]:
   “The problem is the rules and the laws and political cultures that govern construction in many blue states.”

2. Sammy Roth [12:38]:
   “...they could sort of phenomenally about the environment, but like, not really, if we're really being honest...”

3. Liam Dillon [37:23]:
   “...why not study the environmental consequences of them?”

Conclusion

This episode of Boiling Point provides a comprehensive exploration of how California's CEQA is being rethought to address the state's acute housing shortage. By examining the legislative reforms, the interplay between environmental protection and development, and the broader implications for climate policy, Sammy Roth and Liam Dillon offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building a more abundant and sustainable California.

For those interested in the intersection of housing, climate, and policy, this episode is an essential listen, offering critical insights into one of California's most pressing issues.