Legal Analyses of the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act Shows Negative Impacts to Communities

In December, the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (CLCV Education Fund) and the Western Center on Law and Poverty (WCLP) released legal reports analyzing the impact of the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act (Act); an initiative which is expected to be on the June 2008 California ballot.

The report by the CLCV Education Fund contends that the Act will restrict a broad range of environmental and land use laws allowed under current California law, including laws and regulations that are designed to limit global climate change, protect coastal and agricultural lands as well as cultural and historical sites, promote "smart growth" and "livability" in communities, and restrict the locations of businesses such as industry and adult businesses. To read CLCV Education Fund's report, click here.

The report by the WCLP warns that the Act will abolish rent control measures established by local governments or voters, as well as invalidate local inclusionary housing ordinances that assist the creation of affordable housing. In addition, WCLP's report contends that the Act will abolish or threaten laws intended to protect tenants and home buyers. To read WCLP's report, click here.