To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Resolution from the County of Humboldt Board of Supervisors Opposing Proposition 45 on the November 3, 2026 Statewide Ballot and Urging Humboldt County Voters to Vote Noend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution opposing Proposition 45 on the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot and urging Humboldt County voters to vote no.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended action supports the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The attached resolution would have the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors formally oppose Proposition 45, a statewide ballot initiative concerning changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and urge Humboldt County voters to vote No.
Those opposed to Proposition 45 argue that it would shorten and impose rigid deadlines for CEQA environmental reviews which would limit public comment periods, reducing opportunities for residents, Tribes, businesses and other stakeholders to participate. It is also argued that Proposition 45 would restrict judicial review of project approvals, making it more difficult to challenge inadequate environmental analysis. Proposition 45 may limit tribal consultation to federally recognized tribes, thus potentially creating friction between local government and local tribal agencies.
Those opposed to Proposition 45 also argue that it would put additional pressure on rural counties, such as Humboldt County, with limited planning staff and budgets, potentially resulting in rushed environmental reviews and increased costs or litigation risks; and it could potentially place greater burdens on project applicants, because local governments may request substantially more information and potentially expensive and unnecessarily reports at the initiation of the application process.
The attached resolution emphasizes that Humboldt County's economy depends heavily on healthy forests, fisheries, rivers, coastal resources, agriculture, tourism and outdoor recreation. It asserts that thorough CEQA review helps identify and mitigate environmental impacts before projects are approved and can lead to projects with greater community and tribal support. Finally, the attached resolution also asserts that environmental protection and economic development are complementary rather than conflicting goals for Humboldt County.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with adoption of the attached resolution opposing Proposition 45. As a result, the recommended action will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Adoption of the attached resolution opposing Proposition 45 will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution from the County of Humboldt Board of Supervisors Opposing Proposition 45 on the November 3, 2026 Statewide Ballot and Urging Humboldt County Voters to Vote No
2. Proposition 45
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None