Major changes include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is lagging far behind his campaign pledge to build millions more homes, was poised Monday evening to sign the most significant rollback in decades to California’s core environmental law that’s long been blamed for construction delays and soaring prices.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill that will remake California’s landmark environmental protection rules