Silicon Valley backers push California Forever, cite Texas loss to urge Gov. Newsom's help

Backers of the California Forever project, a billion-dollar plan to create a new industrial and residential hub, are lobbying Governor Gavin Newsom to ease state impediments that they say are driving companies to other states. The effort is led by former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg and former Sacramento mayor Darrell Steinberg, who argue for a 270-day environmental review timeline and the ability to rely on an older impact report for a proposed shipyard.

Their push intensified after Saronic Technologies, a defense manufacturer that had considered the site, opted for a factory in Brownsville, Texas, prompting Hertzberg to lament the "brand of California." The lobbyists stress that the changes would not scrap environmental laws but would speed approvals if a major employer commits to the development. A coalition called Solano Forever, representing local residents and leaders, has asked Newsom and legislators to block the measures, citing threats to marshlands, water supplies, and the lack of voter endorsement. The backers aim to advance the reforms through a budget trailer bill before the legislative session ends in August.