California is rolling back environmental regulations for some construction projects after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this week ending strict review for many new developments. Why it matters: The move could cut down planning and zoning timelines in cities that desperately need more housing.

According to CalMatters, the law allows high-tech manufacturing facilities to be built in areas already zoned for industrial use without undergoing the usual environmental scrutiny. It also narrows the scope of evidence allowed in CEQA lawsuits and permits limited reviews for projects that narrowly miss qualifying for exemptions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers scaled back a law that was vilified for its role in California’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.