In today's environment, and with the inclusion of climate change impacts as part of environmental review, both the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) present greater and greater challenges to the ability of many clients to obtain approvals and permits for land use and development projects. We counsel corporations, developers, and public and private institutions in complying with these requirements and, when necessary, litigate with government agencies and citizen groups to obtain such approvals. In addition, we counsel and represent clients in obtaining all entitlements necessary for development.

Examples of our representations include:

• Working with clients and responsible government agencies to achieve both CEQA/NEPA compliance and timely processing of environmental and land use permit applications
• Review of environmental impact reports and negative declarations for legal adequacy to ensure that CEQA/NEPA documents and notices are properly prepared
• Counseling clients with respect to political and electoral aspects of environmental and land use matters, including slow-growth measures and the procedural and substantive adequacy of ballot initiatives and referenda
• Defending CEQA challenges to the siting and operation of hazardous waste and energy facilities in California
• Litigating administrative mandamus actions challenging the adequacy of CEQA documents for commercial developments