Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act

California Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Legal, Utilities, Natural Resources, Sustainability, Environment, Energy, Professional Services, Other Natural Resources, California Courts of Appeal, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, EIR, Superior court, Water, American Water, Monterey Peninsula, California Public Utilities Commission, Carmel, Groundwater, Appeal, Public utilities commission, Necessary, Squat toilet, County

On September 9th, 2023 the Sixth Appellate District of California’s Court of Appeals upheld the County of Monterey’s decision to authorize permits for construction of California American Water’s Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project desalination facility.

Key Points: 
  • On September 9th, 2023 the Sixth Appellate District of California’s Court of Appeals upheld the County of Monterey’s decision to authorize permits for construction of California American Water’s Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project desalination facility.
  • Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) filed suit in Monterey Superior Court against the County and California American Water, alleging that additional environmental review was required.
  • It also requires MCWD to pay the legal costs incurred by the County and California American Water.
  • The other two components of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project are aquifer storage and recovery and a groundwater replenishment and recycled water project that together with other smaller projects will bring drought-proof and environmentally sustainable water supplies to the Monterey Peninsula.

Public Interest Groups, Including Consumer Watchdog, Take On Newsom Administration Over Backtracking On Cleanup Of Radioactivity At Santa Susana Site, Case To Be Heard On Monday

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023
LLP, Cold War, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Reuters, Radiation, Radioactive decay, Santa Susana Field Laboratory, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Public, DTSC, APA, Radioactive waste, Cancer, CEQA, Administrative Procedure Act (United States), Environmental health, Web browser, Recycling, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Gap, Committee, Administration, Plant, Public health, Florida Third District Court of Appeal, Soil, DPH, Hearing, Comment, SSFL, United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, Groundwater, Consumer Watchdog, Government, Ewing sarcoma, Social, Leukemia, Appellate court, Void coefficient, Hazardous waste, Rare-earth element, Uranium mining, Publishing, Boeing, Physician, Simi Hills

The case was brought by Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, the Southern California Federation of Scientists, Committee to Bridge the Gap, and Consumer Watchdog.

Key Points: 
  • The case was brought by Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, the Southern California Federation of Scientists, Committee to Bridge the Gap, and Consumer Watchdog.
  • "The Newsom Administration has back-tracked on its duty to the public and promise of an expedited, safe and complete radioactive cleanup of the Boeing site," said Consumer Watchdog senior staff attorney Pam Pressley.
  • More than 700,000 people live within ten miles of one of the most contaminated and dangerous sites in the state.
  • The final brief of consumer and environmental groups replying to the government agencies was filed in October.

Metropolitan Launches Dashboard to Track Progress on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Environmental Issues, State, Local, Environmental Health, Other Natural Resources, Utilities, Natural Resources, Green Technology, Public Policy, Government, Environment, Energy, Sustainability, Water, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Innovation, Atmosphere, GHG, Recycling, Water resources, Gas, Colorado River, City, Policy, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Translation, Climate change, Carbon, Renewable energy, Metropolitan

As part of its broad push to reduce its carbon footprint to address climate change, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California today launched a new dashboard that allows the public to view the districts progress in meeting ambitious goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Points: 
  • As part of its broad push to reduce its carbon footprint to address climate change, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California today launched a new dashboard that allows the public to view the districts progress in meeting ambitious goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Our changing climate is a constant reminder that we must take bold action to reduce our emissions, said Metropolitan board Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray.
  • As Metropolitan releases GHG emissions from operations, those emissions deplete the overall carbon budget allocated to meet the 2045 carbon neutrality goal.
  • It takes a lot of energy to move and treat water, said Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil.

Metropolitan Advances Ambitious Climate Action Plan to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2045

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Environment, Other Energy, Utilities, Public Policy, Government, Alternative Energy, Energy, State, Local, Public Policy, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Innovation, Water resources, Carbon, Maintenance, Water, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Policy, Skinner, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Partnership, Climate change, Environment, Southern California Edison, List of climate change initiatives, Electricity, CAP, Face, Drinking water, German Climate Action Plan 2050, Climate, Recycling, City, Colorado River, Jensen, GHG, Renewable energy, Metropolitan

As part of a broad push toward greater environmental sustainability, Metropolitan Water Districts Board of Directors today voted to approve a set of strategies to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

Key Points: 
  • As part of a broad push toward greater environmental sustainability, Metropolitan Water Districts Board of Directors today voted to approve a set of strategies to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
  • The Climate Action Plan identifies actions to reduce Metropolitans carbon footprint in the face of climate change, increasing the districts climate resiliency and energy independence while supporting Californias GHG reduction goals.
  • Climate change is not just about the environment, it is about protecting the future for our communities, board Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray said.
  • The CAP helps Metropolitan reach Californias aggressive goals to cut GHG emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2045.

CALIFORNIA SUPERIOR COURT GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO SUNCAL AND CITY OF RICHMOND FOR POINT MOLATE DEVELOPMENT

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Naval Hospital Oakland, Navy, California superior courts, Point Molate, Superior court, Richmond City Council, Public trust doctrine, Richmond City Council (Richmond, California), Court, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Oak Knoll, CEQA, History

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --A ruling this week by the Superior Court of the State of California clears the way for site work to begin immediately when the Point Molate mixed-use development closes escrow.

Key Points: 
  • IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --A ruling this week by the Superior Court of the State of California clears the way for site work to begin immediately when the Point Molate mixed-use development closes escrow.
  • The Court issued an order thatthe City ofRichmond has complied with all relevant requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the state Planning and Zoning Law, the California State Constitution, and the Public Trust Doctrine.
  • "We are very pleased with the Superior Court's decision" said Stephan Elieff, Chief Executive Officer.
  • In March 2020, the Richmond City Council chose SunCal from one of four development teams that responded to a Request for Proposals for the Point Molate waterfront site.

Centennial at Tejon Ranch Is Setting New Standards for Fire Safe, Sustainable, Affordable Master Planned Communities in California

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Zero, Prejudice, GHG, Carbon, CEO, Safety, Centennial, CEQA, Climate, Housing, County, NYSE, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Goal, Policy, GLOBE, Climate change, Ranch, TRC, EV, Renewable energy

TEJON RANCH, Calif., Dec. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tejon Ranch Co. (NYSE: TRC) and Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, today announced an unprecedented agreement regarding the Centennial at Tejon Ranch master planned community. The planned development of more than 19,300 homes and 10.1 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, which has received approvals from Los Angeles County, may now proceed to the next steps in the California development process.

Key Points: 
  • TEJON RANCH, Calif., Dec. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tejon Ranch Co. (NYSE: TRC) and Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, today announced an unprecedented agreement regarding the Centennial at Tejon Ranch master planned community.
  • A large component prioritizes disadvantaged communities, followed by other projects within Los Angeles County, and other parts of southern and central California.
  • Tejon Ranch has a legacy of environmental stewardship, as well as using its land to meet major needs in California.
  • More than ever, the state desperately needs the 19,333 housing units Centennial will provide, including the nearly 3,500 affordable units.

Ervin Cohen and Jessup Partner Ellia Thompson Selected as Leader in Law Award Nominee

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 29, 2021
Thompson, CEO, Connect, Junior, Housing, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Compliance, Woman, Health, Private law, Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles Business Journal, Commerce, Director, Veteran, Intellectual property, Center, Trustee, Injury, Board, Journal, Bankruptcy, Daily Journal Corporation, Fisheries co-management, Partner, DWC, Employment, ECJ, Property management

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup (ECJ) announced today that its Partner and Chair of the Land Use Department Ellia M. Thompson has been selected as anominee by the Los Angeles Business Journal for its 2021 'Leaders in Law Awards.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup (ECJ) announced today that its Partner and Chair of the Land Use Department Ellia M. Thompson has been selected as anominee by the Los Angeles Business Journal for its 2021 'Leaders in Law Awards.
  • "Ellia is a talented attorney who continually demonstrates her ability to deliver the firm's clients with the highest degree of service and strategy," said Co-Managing Partner Randy S. Leff .
  • Thompson concentrates her practice in the areas of land use, planning and zoning regulations, governmental administrative law and local housing laws.
  • Los Angeles Times Magazinerecognized Thompson as an 'Inspirational Women Award' finalist in August of this year.

The Sohagi Law Group Partner R. Tyson Sohagi Among 2021 Leader in Law Award Nominees

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 29, 2021
National Environmental Policy Act, Election law, Mechanical engineering, Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Geology, Water quality, Biophysical environment, CEO, CEQA, Noise, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, Water supply, Los Angeles Business Journal, University, Public trust doctrine, City, Lawyer, University of California, Berkeley, NEPA, Climate change, Court of cassation, Groundwater, Greenhouse, Civil engineering

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Environmental and land use law firm The Sohagi Law Group announced today that Partner R. Tyson Sohagi has been selected as a finalist for the Los Angeles Business Journal 2021 'Leaders in Law Awards.'

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Environmental and land use law firm The Sohagi Law Group announced today that Partner R. Tyson Sohagi has been selected as a finalist for the Los Angeles Business Journal 2021 'Leaders in Law Awards.'
  • "It's an honor to be recognized alongside so many outstanding lawyers in southern California," said Sohagi.
  • Sohagi's practice focuses upon environmental law, land use and planning law, the Coastal Act, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Public Trust Doctrine, and Election Law.
  • The Sohagi Law Group handles complex transactional and litigation matters for public agencies, including cities, counties, townships, state agencies, special districts, commissions and authorities.

California Urban and Agricultural Water Districts Reach Settlement Agreement in Legal Dispute, Move Toward Collaboration on Colorado River

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 20, 2021
Legal, Utilities, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment, Energy, Professional Services, Other Natural Resources, Imperial Irrigation District, Partnership, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Climate change, Negotiation, Solution, Water, Reclaim, Bureau, Farm, City, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow v. Bureau of Reclamation, DCP, Collaboration, Â, History, Climate change litigation and the California Environmental Quality Act, IID, Recycling, Salton Sea, AG, Road, Dam

And in 2020, IID filed another lawsuit against Metropolitan alleging breach of contract related to the storage of Colorado River water.

Key Points: 
  • And in 2020, IID filed another lawsuit against Metropolitan alleging breach of contract related to the storage of Colorado River water.
  • The agreement allows Metropolitan and IID to resume negotiating new solutions to address the imbalance on the Colorado River.
  • The largest irrigation district in the nation, IID delivers Colorado River water to nearly one-half million acres of some of the most productive farmland in California.
  • The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.

The Sohagi Law Group's Margaret Sohagi and Nicole Gordon Recognized as Inspirational Women Award Nominees

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 7, 2021

In 2021 theLos Angeles Business Journalrecognized Sohagi as a Leader in Law nominee and in 2019 the National Law Journal named her to their 'Elite Boutique Trailblazers' list.

Key Points: 
  • In 2021 theLos Angeles Business Journalrecognized Sohagi as a Leader in Law nominee and in 2019 the National Law Journal named her to their 'Elite Boutique Trailblazers' list.
  • Also in 2019, the International Municipal Lawyers Association awarded Sohagi its Amicus Service Award for her work on the City of Oakland's public art ordinance.
  • Gordon has a practice that involves advising public agencies on complex environmental and land use planning matters at the administrative, trial and appellate level.
  • She is named a Southern California Super Lawyer and was listed among the Los Angeles Business Journal's 'Most Influential Women Attorneys.'