The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

CEQA requires projects that may have a significant impact on the environment to prepare an Environmental Impact Report, or EIR.

The California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, is considered California’s premier environmental law, and a powerful tool for public participation. Signed in to law in 1970 by former Governor Ronald Reagan, CEQA requires public agencies to make informed decisions about activities that could possibly degrade the natural environment or public health, including approval of private development projects. Even more importantly, it allows the public to comment on projects affecting their community and provides a legal framework for citizens to hold their government accountable.

But because there is no government agency that monitors the CEQA process, it is up to the public to make sure agencies follow the law. ECOSLO is committed to ensuring local government agencies comply with CEQA and to empowering citizens to become effective CEQA participants.

CEQA Resources

The following resources are provided to help our community participate more effectively in the environmental review process:

Community Guide to CEQA
Published by the Planning and Conservation League Foundation, the Community Guide to CEQA is intended to help laypersons use the power of CEQA to influence decisions that will affect their communities. It provides an overview of the environmental review process and identifies the key legal obligations of public agencies. To order a copy, visit the Planning and Conservation League's website.

CEQAnet Database
Provided by the State Office of Planning and Research, CEQAnet is a searchable online database of all CEQA documents submitted to the State Clearinghouse since 1990. A great place to start your research on a CEQA project. To learn more, visit www.ceqanet.ca.gov.

Global Warming Mitigation Measures
The Office of the California Attorney General is actively working to make public agencies include greenhouse gas emissions as an environmental impact. The Attorney General has prepared a report on examples of the types of mitigation that local agencies may consider under CEQA to offset or reduce global warming impacts. In August of 2007, a complaint filed by the Attorney General against San Bernardino County resulted in a settlement agreement in which the county agreed to adopt a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. For more information, visit the Attorney General's website.

Everyday Heroes: Thirty-five Years of the California Environmental Quality Act
This beautifully written and photographed report by the Planning and Conservation League, the Planning and Conservation League Foundation, and the California League of Conservation Voters showcases the sweeping achievements of a cornerstone thirty-five year law, the California Environmental Quality Act. To read this report online or order a copy, visit the Planning and Conservation League's website.