Newsom signs bills to waive environmental review for San Diego stadium project
Governor Gavin Newsom approved Senate Bills 344 and 958, granting environmental exemptions to the Midway Rising stadium and mixed-use development in San Diego.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 344 and Senate Bill 958, measures designed to simplify environmental oversight for the Midway Rising development led by Rams owner Stan Kroenke. SB 344 declares the project in full compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and SB 958 exempts height-related impacts such as noise, shadows, and wildlife effects from being deemed significant, provided certain criteria are satisfied.
The proposal calls for a new 16,000-seat arena to replace the Pechanga Arena, over 4,000 housing units with up to 2,000 affordable homes, and additional commercial and outdoor space south of Mission Bay. Senator Akilah Weber Pierson highlighted the expected affordable housing, permanent jobs, and community resources, while former Assemblymember Lori Saldaña and Assemblymember Carl DeMaio criticized the bills as rushed and harmful to coastal views and flood-prone areas.
Similar CEQA carve-outs have previously aided other California sports venues. The project now awaits approval from the San Diego City Council.
Why it matters
The exemptions could speed a major stadium and housing project, affecting housing supply and coastal development in San Diego.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Poll shows Californians favor billionaire tax but counter-measures gain traction
- Sep 19 Governor Gavin Newsom approved a series of bills that criminalize ballot and machine seizures, limit police near polls and expand early drop-off sites to safeguard California’s November election.
- Sep 25 Wealthy donors have now spent over $100 million on campaigns opposing the tax.
- Sep 27 The new package adds rules on early drop‑off sites and police proximity to polling places.
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