March 30, 2026
Orange County Business Council (OCBC), oppose AB 2170. While we appreciate the intent of AB 2170 to enhance community engagement and address environmental justice concerns, the bill would significantly expand the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in ways that increase costs, delay projects, and create new barriers to economic investment. AB 2170 eliminates key CEQA exemptions and ministerial pathways for projects located on industrially zoned land within or near broadly defined “overburdened communities,” requiring full environmental review regardless of a project’s actual impacts. This approach removes important tools that have helped streamline approvals for infill development, operational improvements, and job creating investments. The bill’s definition of “overburdened communities” is expansive and will apply to a large share of urban areas across California, including significant portions of Orange County. As a result, a wide range of projects, including routine modifications and expansions of existing facilities, will be subject to additional layers of review, cost, and delay. AB 2170 also imposes new translation, noticing, and public engagement requirements that go well beyond current CEQA standards. While meaningful community engagement is important, these mandates will add substantial complexity to the process and create additional opportunities for legal challenges, increasing uncertainty for both project applicants and local agencies. Importantly, these requirements extend beyond new development and apply to ongoing operations and improvements, placing an added burden on existing businesses that are working to grow, modernize, and remain competitive in California. At a time when the state faces a housing shortage, affordability challenges, and ongoing economic pressures, AB 2170 moves in the wrong direction by making it more difficult to deliver projects and investments in the very communities it aims to support. For questions, please email Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.
