Newsom Signs Bills Overhauling California’s Landmark Environmental Law

The measures are aimed at helping the state combat the ongoing housing crisis, according to the governor’s office.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an address on June 10, 2025. Office of California Governor via AP

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on June 30 signed two bills into law that overhaul the state’s landmark California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as part of an effort to ease the housing crisis and reduce homelessness.

Newsom gave his stamp of approval to Assembly Bill 130 and SB 131, in a move his office described as “the most significant overhaul of California’s housing and environmental review laws in decades.”