California lawmakers approve environmental exemption for San Diego stadium and housing project
State legislators passed bills that shield the Midway Rising stadium and housing development from CEQA lawsuits, accelerating its approval process.
California lawmakers voted to fast-track the Midway Rising development in San Diego by granting it an environmental carve-out through Senate Bill 344, which treats the project as fully compliant with CEQA, and Senate Bill 958, which excludes height-related impacts from significance analysis. The initiative, championed by Rams owner Stan Kroenke, envisions a new 16,000-seat arena, more than 4,000 residential units—including up to 2,000 affordable homes—plus commercial and outdoor areas south of Mission Bay.
Opponents, such as former Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, called the legislation reckless for bypassing public hearings and warned of flooding risks from sea-level rise. Assemblymember Tasha Boerner expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for public scrutiny in housing decisions. The bills contain an urgency clause that could take effect immediately if Governor Gavin Newsom signs them, while final approval still rests with the San Diego City Council.
Why it matters
The exemption could speed a major stadium and housing project, affecting housing supply and local development in San Diego.
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