Plain English with Derek Thompson

Episode: How Abundance Won in California
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Derek Thompson
Guests: Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks & Senator Scott Wiener
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

Overview

In this insightful episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson, host Derek Thompson delves into California's longstanding housing crisis and the recent legislative breakthroughs aimed at alleviating it. Joined by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks and Senator Scott Wiener, Thompson explores the transformation from restrictive growth policies to an "abundance" agenda that seeks to streamline housing development through significant reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The discussion highlights the rise of the YIMBY movement, the political maneuvering behind the new laws, and the broader implications for environmental and social policy in the state.

California's Housing Crisis: A Historical Perspective

Thompson begins by setting the stage with a historical context, referencing Lakewood and Petaluma as emblematic cities representing pro-growth and anti-growth stances, respectively.

[04:15] Derek Thompson: "That was an era of deadly pollution and toxic air and an utterly careless attitude toward preserving the environment. It was good that we created environmental legislation to save the air and the water and the birds and our lungs."

He explains how CEQA, originally intended to protect the environment, became a tool that stymied housing development, leading to California now being significantly short of its housing demand.

The Role and Evolution of CEQA

Senator Scott Wiener provides a nuanced view of CEQA, distinguishing its original environmental intentions from its later misuse as an obstructionary tool.

[11:52] Scott Wiener: "CEQA has been expanded profoundly to apply in situations where no one would have thought an environmental law would have applied... I have in the past referred to CEQA as the law that swallowed California."

Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how CEQA has been weaponized against housing projects vital for addressing homelessness and affordability.

[15:55] Buffy Wicks: "There's this invisible hand of oppression that is CEQA that has stopped our ability to actually build."

Legislative Breakthrough: Bills Signed by Governor Newsom

Derek Thompson transitions to the recent legislative achievements, highlighting two pivotal bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom aimed at rolling back CEQA's restrictive influence.

Buffy Wicks' Bill: CEQA Exemption for Infill Housing

[18:50] Buffy Wicks: "My bill essentially says CEQA no longer exists for infill housing... For these projects, CEQA no longer is necessary."

This exemption targets housing built within the existing urban footprint, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating development.

[20:06] Buffy Wicks: "It has to be zoned for housing or zoned for multifamily. So the zoning laws still have to apply. But the CEQA component... no longer exists."

Scott Wiener's Reforms: Broadening CEQA Exemptions and Streamlining Processes

[25:55] Scott Wiener: "We made a couple of changes historically in CEQA... we now have the indicators needed to empower that."

Wiener outlines comprehensive reforms that not only include additional exemptions for various essential projects like broadband and health clinics but also streamline the administrative record process to prevent legal delays.

[27:36] Scott Wiener: "These laws are good environmental laws, climate laws to reform CEQA... CEQA at times undermines climate action."

The Rise of the YIMBY Movement

The conversation shifts to the emergence and impact of the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement over the past eight years.

[29:59] Buffy Wicks: "When I ran in 2018... it was very controversial to have that position, to take such a position. And sure, we all support 100% affordable housing, but we're also not going to subsidize our way out of this crisis."

Senator Wiener adds that the movement's growth has been fueled by younger progressives who are more aligned with housing development as a solution to affordability and environmental concerns.

[41:58] Scott Wiener: "There is a generational divide... younger people have been priced out and are actively seeking solutions through increased housing."

Political Strategy and Coalition Building

Assemblywoman Wicks discusses the intricate process of building bipartisan support and working with various stakeholders, including labor unions, to pass the new legislation.

[44:28] Buffy Wicks: "We added developer liability so that they have skin in the game... It creates a more of a level playing field for the non-reputable developers."

She explains how lobbying efforts and strategic compromises were essential in garnering the necessary support from different factions, ensuring the bills' passage despite opposition.

Impact and Future Outlook

Senator Wiener shares his optimism about the potential impact of the new laws, emphasizing the need for continued policy support to meet California's housing demands.

[48:40] Scott Wiener: "We need to get the rules right and get everything in place so that when the economic stars align we can just build a ton of housing."

Both guests agree that while the legislative change is monumental, sustained efforts and further reforms will be necessary to fully address the housing crisis.

Lessons for Broader Policy Making

In response to broader political shifts, including contrasting political victories on the East Coast, Wicks and Wiener offer insights into replicating California's success elsewhere.

[51:52] Buffy Wicks: "We have to own that conversation... Democrats have to take bold action to solve that problem."

Wiener adds that effective persuasion and genuine leadership are critical components in driving policy change, urging other states to adopt similar strategies.

Conclusion

Derek Thompson wraps up the episode by congratulating Wicks and Wiener on their legislative successes, underscoring the significance of their work in transforming California's approach to housing and environmental policy.

[57:36] Scott Wiener: "People want elected officials to take risks. They don't have to agree with you 100% of the time, but they need to know you're fighting for them."

Key Takeaways

• CEQA's Dual Role: Initially an environmental safeguard, CEQA has been leveraged to impede housing development, exacerbating California's housing shortage.

• Legislative Reforms: Recent bills by Wicks and Wiener successfully roll back restrictive elements of CEQA, facilitating faster and more affordable housing projects.

• YIMBY Movement's Influence: A growing coalition of support from younger progressives and strategic political alliances has been pivotal in advancing housing reforms.

• Future Implications: While the new laws mark a significant step forward, ongoing policy support and further reforms are essential to fully address the housing crisis and foster sustainable growth.

Notable Quotes

• Derek Thompson [04:15]: "That was an era of deadly pollution and toxic air and an utterly careless attitude toward preserving the environment. It was good that we created environmental legislation to save the air and the water and the birds and our lungs."

• Scott Wiener [11:52]: "CEQA has been expanded profoundly to apply in situations where no one would have thought an environmental law would have applied... I have in the past referred to CEQA as the law that swallowed California."

• Buffy Wicks [18:50]: "My bill essentially says CEQA no longer exists for infill housing... For these projects, CEQA no longer is necessary."

• Scott Wiener [27:36]: "These laws are good environmental laws, climate laws to reform CEQA... CEQA at times undermines climate action."

• Buffy Wicks [44:28]: "We added developer liability so that they have skin in the game... It creates a more of a level playing field for the non-reputable developers."

• Scott Wiener [57:13]: "It's not progressive to oppose pro housing policies... elected officials should take more risks."

This episode provides a comprehensive examination of California's evolving housing policies, the political strategies behind legislative reforms, and the broader implications for sustainable development and environmental protection. Through the perspectives of Wicks and Wiener, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between policy, advocacy, and community needs in shaping California's future.