Newsom to bring all sides together and insist upon consensus reform. ![]() Talk to any homebuilder, and they will likely tell you that at some time or another, they have been the target of a frivolous CEQA lawsuit aimed at stopping the construction of new housing.ĭespite proclamations from both sides of the aisle, we have yet to see any meaningful changes to CEQA. Over the decades, CEQA has evolved from a tool into a trap, entangling new housing proposals throughout the state. Signed into law over fifty years ago, CEQA was originally intended to ensure that environmental protections were instituted with new development projects like infrastructure and housing. Gavin Newsom and the state legislature to mend – not end – the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). To start, there must be a concerted effort by Gov. While there is no single answer to fixing the state’s housing crisis, several critical changes need to occur as to how our elected leaders address the need for more housing. More information about CCTA is available at California struggles to emerge from the economic and social malaise brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, our elected leaders will need to place a renewed focus on a variety of pressing issues, many of which existed long before the outbreak.Ĭhief among these is the need to address California’s dire lack of attainable housing. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to manage traffic levels. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering transportation infrastructure projects and programs throughout the County. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. Undertaking this study is just one way that CCTA is working to mitigate the impact of vehicles miles traveled to reduce harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions countywide.ĬCTA is also lending their expertise to the SB 743 Implementation Working Group, a consortium of forward-thinking agencies providing thought leadership for the State on the topic of VMT mitigation.Ībout the Contra Costa Transportation Authority ![]() “This groundbreaking study will set out a framework for a more holistic approach to analyzing future development and transportation projects that will not only help local agencies like ours plan for a more sustainable future but could serve as a model for agencies across the state,” said CCTA Executive Director Timothy Haile.Ĭalifornia Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) reformed the process for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to require that local jurisdictions evaluate traffic impacts of new development by measuring VMT, so that transportation-related environmental impacts are tracked for alignment with state greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. With funding made possible through a California Department of Transportation Sustainable Planning Grant, one element of the study will explore allowing developers and transportation agencies–whose projects contribute to VMT increases–to offset emissions through payment into a “VMT Mitigation Program.” The VMT Mitigation Program funds could then support green projects that help reduce overall VMT in Contra Costa County, generating a positive impact on climate, the environment and public health. The VMT Mitigation Framework project is aimed to help CCTA better define, analyze, and develop options to mitigate the environmental effects of projects throughout Contra Costa. The more miles vehicles travel, the more greenhouse gases and air pollution are emitted into the atmosphere. WALNUT CREEK, CA – The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) has been awarded $400,000 to develop a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Framework that will ultimately help Contra Costa County fight climate change.
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