California voters have rejected Proposition 45, the business-backed measure that would have sped up environmental review for housing and other "essential" projects, the Associated Press projects.
Roughly 55% of voters opposed it when the race was called Saturday night, KQED reported.
What it would have done
Prop. 45 would have amended the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. It set a 365-day limit on reviews for projects such as housing, clinics, schools, clean energy, water and transportation, and required courts to rule on CEQA lawsuits within 270 days, according to KQED. Opponents argued its broadband language could cover data centers; supporters said it did not.
Reaction
"This strong rejection of Prop. 45 shows that Californians are willing to fight to keep our air and water clean," said Aruna Prabhala of the Center for Biological Diversity, CBS News Bay Area reported.
"This election has come to an end, but the journey is far from over," said Jennifer Barrera, CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, which backed the measure.
Who was on each side: Supporters included the state Chamber of Commerce, the California Building Industry Association and Oakland Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. Opponents included the state Democratic Party, the Sierra Club and major labor groups, CBS reported. Supporters raised more than $40 million and opponents more than $30 million, according to KQED.
Related: Prop. 45 explained and why California YIMBY stayed neutral.