I have written about the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and its workings on a number of occasions in my blog. To be sure, requiring California government agencies to take into account the protection of the environment in their decision-making processes is a demonstrable benefit to society generally. As of late, however, the salutary purpose of this law has been … [Read more...] about Will the California Supreme Court take action to curb abusive CEQA environmental review practices?
environment
CEQA Guidelines revision process fails to keep pace with rapid changes under CEQA
Over the last few years, I’ve written a number of articles in this blog about issues relating to CEQA, the California Environmental Quality Act. For those of you who may not be readily familiar, CEQA is a far-reaching law that requires state and local jurisdictions in California to describe and mitigate, if feasible, the significant environmental impacts of their own actions as … [Read more...] about CEQA Guidelines revision process fails to keep pace with rapid changes under CEQA
Water conservation more challenging because of recent court decision
Water conservation in California The situation in California is not quite that bad yet, but some experts are warning that our current dry spell—three years and counting—may be the worst that the region has experienced in the last 500 years. There have been daily items in the news on this situation, as well as urgent calls for action from the governor. Heeding these calls, … [Read more...] about Water conservation more challenging because of recent court decision
California Supreme Court sets aside “fair argument” restrictions on the use of CEQA categorical exemptions
In a case with potentially significant ramifications for environmental review in California, the California Supreme Court has ruled that the use of “categorical exemptions” from environmental review allowed under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) must be permitted unless unusual circumstances warranting environmental review are demonstrated by substantial … [Read more...] about California Supreme Court sets aside “fair argument” restrictions on the use of CEQA categorical exemptions
Changes Ahead for Evaluating Development-Related Traffic Impacts?
California’s relationship with automobile traffic, how it is evaluated in connection with development projects, and how it is accommodated, have been the subject of heated debate and acrimony for years. In response to legislative directives, the methodology for studying and planning for traffic in connection with development is about to change. Traffic studies Currently, … [Read more...] about Changes Ahead for Evaluating Development-Related Traffic Impacts?