Beverly Hills Chamber Backs Prop. 45 Approval Overhaul

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Proposition 45, backing a November ballot measure that would change how California reviews and approves housing, clean energy and other qualifying projects.

In a post on its Instagram account, @bh_chamber, the business organization argued that lengthy approval processes increase the cost of building infrastructure and delay essential projects.

"Today, it takes too long, and costs too much, to build clean energy generation, transmission, and storage," the Chamber wrote.

The Chamber said it was joining an alliance of clean energy leaders, housing advocates and civil rights leaders supporting the measure. Its post directed readers to the Yes on 45 campaign and the Chamber's government affairs resources.

Proposition 45, which appears on California's November 3 ballot, would amend the California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA. According to the state's official ballot summary, it would establish deadlines for environmental review and project decisions, change requirements for considering alternatives and limit aspects of lawsuits challenging approvals.

The measure extends beyond the energy projects highlighted in the Chamber's announcement. Eligible categories include housing, water systems, healthcare facilities, education facilities, broadband, transportation and certain public safety projects.

Under the proposal, eligible applicants could choose between the new procedures and existing review rules, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. Among the changes, applicants could request an agency hearing and potentially pursue legal action when an agency misses a 365-business-day deadline for completing an environmental impact report.

The Chamber presented the measure as a way to accelerate construction without sacrificing existing safeguards.

"Prop45 will create clear timelines, improve accountability & help deliver essential projects faster and more affordably while maintaining California's strong environmental, labor & tribal protections," the Chamber wrote.

The state's independent analysis identifies changes to the review process that would accompany those deadlines. The proposal would limit public comment periods, allow applicants to develop only one project alternative for consideration and narrow required tribal consultation to federally recognized California tribes.

It would also restrict courts' ability to halt an entire project over a deficient environmental review, generally allowing them to stop only the affected portion while the agency addresses the problem.

Supporters argue that more predictable approvals would reduce construction delays and costs while retaining environmental requirements. Opponents, including environmental and public health organizations identified in the state voter guide, argue that the measure would weaken scrutiny and reduce residents' influence over projects in their communities.

The Legislative Analyst's Office estimates that implementing the new procedures would initially cost state and local governments tens of millions of dollars annually, potentially exceeding $100 million a year. Applicant and court filing fees would cover some costs. Longer-term fiscal effects remain uncertain.

The Chamber's announcement makes project approval reform part of its public advocacy ahead of the election, with clean energy construction costs at the center of its case for a yes vote.