Proposition 45: Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects. Initiative Statute.

Argument for

By Ann-Louise Kuhns, President, California Children’s Hospital Association; Jennifer Capitolo, Executive Director, California Water Association; Jenna Abbott, Executive Director, California Council on Affordable Housing

Loaded LanguageExaggeration/HyperboleCard Stacking

LENGTHY DELAYS AND RED TAPE ARE BLOCKING ESSENTIAL PROJECTS & DRIVING UP OUR COST OF LIVING.

Families cannot afford to live in California because we are failing to deliver the basics. California’s outdated system for approving essential housing, water, clean energy, roads, schools, hospitals, and wildfire prevention projects is too slow, too bureaucratic, and too costly—driving up the cost of living for everyone.

Endless delays, red tape, and frivolous lawsuits make life more expensive and block the projects Californians need—driving up costs for housing, electricity, and water; wasting taxpayer dollars; worsening wildfire risk; increasing traffic; overcrowding schools; and delaying hospital and infrastructure upgrades.

Loaded Language · “Endless delays, red tape, and frivolous lawsuits” — Emotionally charged descriptors like 'endless delays' and 'frivolous lawsuits' frame the opposition negatively without evidence.

Exaggeration/Hyperbole · “worsening wildfire risk; increasing traffic; overcrowding schools” — Attributes a long chain of broad harms (costs, wildfire risk, traffic, overcrowded schools) to delays and lawsuits, overstating their causal effect.

Card Stacking · “make life more expensive and block the projects Californians need” — Presents only the negative effects of legal and regulatory review while omitting any benefits or counterarguments.

PROP. 45 LOWERS OUR HIGH COST OF LIVING BY MAKING IT FASTER & LESS EXPENSIVE TO BUILD ESSENTIAL PROJECTS.

Prop. 45 streamlines approvals by setting enforceable timelines for project approvals; requires courts and government agencies to base decisions on the laws and regulations in place when the project application is submitted; and creates a faster, more predictable process for legal challenges while reducing frivolous lawsuits.

PROP. 45 STREAMLINES CALIFORNIA’S MOST-PRESSING ESSENTIAL PROJECTS, INCLUDING:

• Water quality and supply projects • Hospitals and healthcare facilities • Housing, including homes and apartments • Wildfire prevention • Schools and classrooms • Roads, bridges and transit • Clean energy and electric grid reliability infrastructure

REDUCE THE COST OF HOUSING. Permitting delays add more than $75,000 to the cost of a new home. Prop. 45 will help lower rents and mortgages and save families tens of thousands of dollars on a home purchase.

LOWER ELECTRICITY COSTS. Delays in building clean energy and electric grid infrastructure drive up electricity costs for working families. Prop. 45 helps lower electricity costs.

PROTECT TAXPAYERS. Lengthy delays drive massive cost overruns on public projects—roads, schools, hospitals, water systems, and wildfire prevention—costing taxpayers billions more. Prop. 45 cuts costly delays, reduces costs, and helps keep projects on time and on budget.

CREATE GOOD-PAYING JOBS AND STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY. Prop. 45 will create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in economic activity.

PROP. 45 MAINTAINS CALIFORNIA’S STRONGEST-IN-THE-NATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS.

California should not have to choose between protecting the environment and building the essential projects we need. Under Prop. 45, projects must comply with all of California strong environmental laws protecting our air, water, wildlife, and health. Prop. 45 does not exempt a single project from environmental review.

PROP. 45 PROTECTS COMMUNITY INPUT AND LOCAL DECISION MAKING.

Under Prop. 45, cities and counties retain full authority to approve or deny projects, and residents keep a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their communities.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCATES, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, EDUCATORS, WATER PROVIDERS, CLEAN ENERGY LEADERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS SUPPORT PROP. 45.

Prop. 45 is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including:

• American Clean Power—California • California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) • NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference • California Taxpayers Association • Environmental Policy Innovation Center

YES ON PROP. 45 TO BUILD A MORE AFFORDABLE CALIFORNIA.

Every year of delay means Californians wait longer and pay more for the essential projects we need. It’s time to cut red tape, protect our environment and build the projects California needs to make life more affordable.

VOTE YES ON PROP. 45.

YESonProp45.com

From voterguide.sos.ca.gov, the official voter guide.

Argument against

By Joe Lyou, President, Coalition for Clean Air; Jennifer Clary, California Director, Clean Water Action; Matt Abularach-Macias, Political Director, California Environmental Voters

no rhetorical technique found

PROPOSITION 45 LIMITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF PROJECTS BUILT IN YOUR COMMUNITY. VOTE NO ON PROP. 45 TO PROTECT WATER, AIR QUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

Proposition 45 limits both the environmental review of major new development projects and the public’s right to be heard. Prop. 45 lets projects move forward with far less scrutiny of their harms to air, water and public health.

PROP. 45 WEAKENS CRITICAL PROTECTIONS FOR AIR AND WATER QUALITY BY GUTTING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).

CEQA is California’s most important air and water quality protection law. It requires public agencies to identify, publicly disclose, and consider reducing harm to air, water, and wildlife before approving projects. Prop. 45 eliminates many of CEQA’s existing protections— letting developers fast-track the polluting projects you don’t want next door, with fewer protections for the water you drink and air you breathe.

PROP. 45 CUTS THE PUBLIC OUT OF DECISIONS THAT AFFECT YOUR FAMILY.

Today, you have a voice in what’s built near you and your family. Prop. 45 reduces public agency requirements to consider public comments on proposed projects—comments that often expose potential contamination of air and water, and damage to our coast, rivers, and wildlife. If Prop. 45 passes, decisions about what gets built near your home, your children’s school, and your water supply would be made with less information and less public input. Prop. 45 reduces your ability to protect your family and community from harm.

We need CEQA’s protections more than ever since federal protections have been weakened.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office warns Prop. 45 could approve projects that result in “unintended negative environmental impacts.” When corporations aren’t required to reduce their pollution, taxpayers get stuck paying to clean up cancer-causing chemicals from our drinking water and contaminated lands.

PROP. 45 WON’T LOWER YOUR COSTS.

Prop. 45 doesn’t include any requirement to lower your housing costs or your utility bills. The corporations paying for Prop. 45 will profit while you keep paying.

WHO’S BEHIND PROP. 45?

Prop. 45 was written by the California Chamber of Commerce and financed by gas and electric utilities and corporate PACs. It gives the polluters and corporations funding Prop. 45 greater freedom to put whatever they want next to your home. Your family’s health and environmental quality are more important than corporate profits.

JOIN A BROAD COALITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS OPPOSING PROP. 45, INCLUDING:

• National Wildlife Federation • California Communities Against Toxics • California Environmental Voters • California Environmental Justice Alliance • California Nurses for Environmental Health & Justice • Clean Water Action • Coalition for Clean Air • Physicians for Social Responsibility—Los Angeles

Whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent, vote NO on Prop. 45 to protect your air and water, your tax dollars, and your right to be heard.

VOTE NO on Prop. 45.

www.NoProp45CA.com.

From voterguide.sos.ca.gov, the official voter guide.

Supporting

YES ON 45 - BUILDING A MORE AFFORDABLE CALIFORNIA, A COALITION OF WATER, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CLEAN ENERGY, SMALL BUSINESS, HEALTHCARE & COMMUNITY LEADERS

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by California Chamber of Commerce; California Building Industry Association · California payments to party committees since Jan 1, 2025: $0 to Democratic and $725,000 to Republican (Cal-Access)

Raised $27,792,856 · spent $24,529,159 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• BUILDING A BETTER CALIFORNIA · $10,000,000
  Political action committee
• CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION ISSUES COMMITTEE · $6,650,000 (including $1,300,000 in loans)
  Ballot measure committee, sponsored by California Building Industry Association · California payments to party committees since Jan 1, 2025: $95,000 to Democratic and $0 to Republican (Cal-Access)
• CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION · $3,250,000 (including $1,000,000 in loans)
  Trade or professional association · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $0 to Democratic and $9,900 to Republican candidates and party committees (Cal-Access)
• EDISON INTERNATIONAL & AFFILIATED ENTITIES · $2,000,000 (including $2,000,000 in loans)
  Company · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $208,000 to Democratic and $173,500 to Republican candidates and party committees, $1,500 to others (FEC)
• CALCHAMBER NON-DONOR FUNDS · $2,000,000 (including $2,000,000 in loans)
  501(c)(6)

Since then, $8,344,735 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 15, 2026.

California Building Industry Association Issues Committee Supporting Proposition 45

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by California Building Industry Association · California payments to party committees since Jan 1, 2025: $95,000 to Democratic and $0 to Republican (Cal-Access)

“The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) is dedicated to providing strong leadership through advocacy, education, and information.” — its sponsor’s website

Raised $8,376,473 · spent $8,300,279 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• Lennar Corporation · $1,073,920
  Company · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $19,600 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees (Cal-Access)
• Building Industry Association of Southern California Issues PAC · $900,000
  Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Building Industry Association of Southern California
• Five Point Operating Company, LP and Affiliated Entities · $750,000
  Company · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $200 to Democratic and $26,000 to Republican candidates and party committees (Cal-Access)
• KB Home · $707,363
  Company
• Lennar Corporation and its affiliates · $525,000
  Company · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $19,600 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees (Cal-Access)

Since then, $6,977,824 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 13, 2026.

BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ISSUES PAC - YES ON 45

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Building Industry Association of Southern California

“BIASC marks over 100 years of successful advocacy for greater homeownership in Southern California, along with a century of educational programs and networking opportunities.” — its sponsor’s website

Raised $930,100 · spent $928,081 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INC. · $900,000
  Trade or professional association
• BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PAC · $30,000
  Political action committee, sponsored by Building Industry Association of Southern California · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $162,500 to Democratic and $51,100 to Republican candidates and party committees; $138,993 to candidates for nonpartisan offices (Cal-Access)
• ALAN COHEN · $100 · individual

Since then, $14,300 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 12, 2026.

BUILDING RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A DECARBONIZED GREEN ECONOMY ISSUES PAC (BRIDGE ISSUES), FUNDED BY PG&E CORPORATION

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Building Resilient Infrastructure for a Decarbonized Green Economy; PG&E Corporation · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $119,340 to Democratic and $116,612 to Republican candidates and party committees (FEC)

Raised $700,000 · spent $500,000 · as reported through Jun 30, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• PG&E CORPORATION AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES · $700,000
  Company · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $119,340 to Democratic and $116,612 to Republican candidates and party committees (FEC)

Since then, $1,700,000 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 2, 2026.

Opposing

No on Prop 45, sponsored by labor, health and environmental organizations

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Clean and Healthy California; Planning and Conservation League; State Building and Construction Trades Council of California · California payments to party committees since Jan 1, 2025: $303,500 to Democratic and $0 to Republican (Cal-Access)

Raised $14,590,555 · spent $1,130,204 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• Clean and Healthy California, Sponsored By Environmental Organizations · $7,078,075
  Political action committee, sponsored by Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund; Committee for Working Families for a Healthy CA
• Wendy Schmidt · $5,000,000 · individual
  own contributions since Jan 1, 2020, federal (FEC): $1,385,396 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees, $7,000 to others; California state (Cal-Access): $2,500 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees
• Members' Voice of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California · $1,176,000
  Political action committee, sponsored by State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
• State Building and Construction Trades Council of California Independent Expenditure PAC · $823,857
  Political action committee, sponsored by State Building and Construction Trades Council of California · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $1,372,000 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees; $18,200 to candidates for nonpartisan offices (Cal-Access)
• District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity PAC · $500,000
  Political action committee, sponsored by District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $136,850 to Democratic and $15,900 to Republican candidates and party committees; $27,700 to candidates for nonpartisan offices (Cal-Access)

Since then, $5,093,806 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 16, 2026.

No on Prop 45 - Protect California Communities

Ballot measure committee

Raised $3,430,241 · spent $108,523 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• Disctrict Council of Iron Workers of the State of California Vicinity · $1,000,000
  Labor union
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12 · $1,000,000
  Labor union · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $177,500 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees (FEC)
• California State Pipe Trades Council of the United Association Political Action Fund · $500,000
  Political action committee, sponsored by California State Pipe Trades Council
• Southern California Pipe Trades District Council #16 · $472,434
  Labor union · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $11,600 to Democratic and $5,000 to Republican candidates and party committees (FEC)
• Steamfitters Local 342 Political Action Committee · $120,000
  Political action committee, sponsored by Steamfitters Local 342 · California state contributions since Jan 1, 2025: $245,600 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees; $185,438 to candidates for nonpartisan offices (Cal-Access)

Since then, $5,717,625 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 19, 2026.

Campaign for People Over Polluters, No on Prop. 45, sponsored by environmental, environmental justice, and health organizations

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by California Environmental Justice Alliance; Center for Biological Diversity; Communities for a Better Environment; Earthjustice; Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles; Physicians for Social Responsibility San Francisco Bay Area Chapter; Planning and Conservation League · California payments to party committees since Jan 1, 2025: $25,500 to Democratic and $0 to Republican (Cal-Access)

Raised $485,593 · spent $106,040 · as reported through Sep 19, 2026

Largest contributors as filed:

• Earthjustice · $208,521
  501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Center for Biological Diversity, Inc. · $100,000
  501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Amy J. Bricker · $54,145 · individual
  own contributions since Jan 1, 2020, federal (FEC): $45,000 to Democratic and $0 to Republican candidates and party committees, $2,800 to others
• Michael S. Lee · $50,000 · individual
• Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund · $25,000
  501(c)(4) nonprofit · federal PAC contributions, 2025–26: $98,504 to Democratic and $1,000 to Republican candidates and party committees, $10,500 to others (FEC)

Since then, $6,029,000 more reported in contributions of $1,000 or more, through Oct 19, 2026.

Working People in Support of Prop 3 and in Opposition to Prop 39, 43, and 45, Sponsored by Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO

Ballot measure committee, sponsored by Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (as stated in the registered committee name)

Registered; no financial report filed yet.

Reported $100,000 in contributions of $1,000 or more from Oct 15, 2026 to Oct 15, 2026.