Sports teams seeking exceptions from environmental laws and rules ... [View all]

[Auggie]

Last edited Sun May 12, 2013, 02:16 PM - Edit history (1)

and Sacramento, in most instances, is happy to oblige. From John Diaz of the San Francisco Chronicle, May 12 2013:

California’s professional sports teams — or developers hoping to attract a professional sports team — know exactly where to go for relief from the state’s often difficult regulatory environment. They take their concerns directly to Sacramento, where state legislators have proved more than willing to offer exceptions to environmental and other rules that apply to everyone else.

I happen to like the idea of the Warriors moving back across the bay to San Francisco, but I questioned why they needed to go to the Legislature to get a finding that their proposed arena at Piers 30-32 is consistent with the “public trust” of preserving access and maritime use along the waterfront. I have no rooting attachment to the Sacramento Kings, but I have to admire the way Mayor Kevin Johnson, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and other community leaders have pushed hard and rallied the community to keep the team from moving to Seattle. That effort, too, will need a little help from the Legislature.

SNIP

If the state regulations are too draconian, shouldn’t they be relaxed for everyone, not just a few favored developers? That question could loom large as legislators consider whether to reform the California Environmental Quality Act so it is not so easily exploited by litigants with motives that have nothing to do with the environment.

LINK: http://blog.sfgate.com/opinionshop/2013/05/11/when-the-end-run-goes-through-sacramento/

I happen to favor draconian regulations when the environment is concerned. Furthermore, it should be top priority these new stadiums are easily accessible via public transportation.