California Proposition 45 Trails in Early Election Returns
California voters are trending toward rejecting Proposition 45, a measure designed to accelerate infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental review processes.
Early election returns on November 4, 2026, indicate that California voters are likely to reject Proposition 45. With 65% of precincts reporting, 54.4% of voters opposed the measure compared to 45.6% in support. The proposal sought to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act by imposing a 365-day limit on environmental reviews and requiring courts to rule on challenges within 270 days.
Supporters, led by the California Chamber of Commerce and various business and social justice groups, argued the measure would reduce red tape and frivolous lawsuits to build housing and clean energy projects faster. Conversely, opponents including the California Democratic Party and environmental organizations warned the measure would fast-track polluting industries and data centers.
Geographic splits emerged in the early data, with the measure finding support in the Central Valley and inland counties but failing in major population centers such as Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and San Diego. The California Legislative Analyst's Office reported that the measure could cost local governments up to $100 million annually.
