![]() ![]() Supporters cite past divestment movements, including efforts targeting apartheid South Africa and tobacco companies. Supporters say: The goal is to limit the money that fossil fuel companies have to build new projects or push for favorable legislation.Now Senate Bill 252, which would force California’s two largest public pension funds to stop investing in major fossil fuel companies, is making its way through the legislature, while tools to help individuals divest grow. How it works: Climate activists want individuals, agencies and companies to stop all investments in oil and gas companies, from pension funds to their choice in banks.Where the idea stands: Lawmakers have until June 15 to approve the budget and related trailer bills, for Newsom to sign by June 30.And they’re particularly opposed to making the changes through the fast-tracked budget process, as is being considered now, with more opportunity for public input and debate in the traditional legislative process. They argue that some of Newsom’s proposals would go too far in weakening the important law. ![]() ![]() Opponents say: Environmental groups say the law has blocked or forced changes for hundreds of projects that would have worsened air, water and soil pollution and caused other problems that disproportionately affect the state’s most vulnerable residents.Newsom’s plan would limit how long courts could spend debating some projects, lessen required paperwork and carve out more exemptions to speed up clean energy projects. Supporters say: Some business groups and local governments say CEQA as it stands creates too many barriers for projects such as housing and infrastructure to advance.The law requires decision-makers to evaluate the environmental impact of most proposed projects in the state, disclose any significant potential effects to the public and take steps to mitigate them as much as is feasible. ![]() Gavin Newsom is pitching a plan to streamline the 53-year-old California Environmental Quality Act. The teams behind the projects are sharing positive results, with goals to expand their efforts and inspire similar projects in other areas.
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