Project Will Bring 23,000 Jobs to Los Angeles Area and $600 Million in Economic Activity

(Los Angeles, CA) – Governor Jerry Brown signed into law landmark legislation co-authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D – Pacoima), Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D – San Fernando Valley) and others at a ceremony in downtown Los Angeles. The new law paves the way for the construction of a stadium and upgrading of the convention center in downtown Los Angeles, bringing more than 23,000 jobs and over $600 million in economic activity to the state while ensuring strong protections for the environment.

"With families struggling under the grip of this tough economy, we must look for innovative solutions to create jobs while protecting our environment," said Assemblymember Blumenfield. "Under expedited judicial review, this legislation will bring jobs to the community along with a carbon neutral stadium that will prioritize transit more than any other NFL stadium."

Assemblymember Blumenfield, along with four other members, served on a special Assembly task force charged with negotiating the provisions of Senate Bill 292. Over the course of several weeks, he hashed out ideas with stakeholders that included AEG and environmental advocates for a project that would help rebuild the economy while reinforcing California's environmental values.

"I'm thrilled we were able to address AEG's need for a shortened and more certain timeline without having to grant a CEQA exemption for the new stadium," said Assemblymember Blumenfield. He did not support the CEQA exemption that was given to the City of Industry project two years ago.

With $1.2 billion of planned private sector investments, this is among the nation's largest projects. Along with the anticipated $600 million in economic activity, the project will raise more than $40 million in city, county and state tax revenues.

The project gained wide support in the environmental community and in Los Angeles, where the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding with AEG and both the Natural Resources Defense Council and the California League of Conservation Voters supported the bill.