California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

In today’s litigious society, even the best-prepared CEQA documentation is regularly challenged, delaying projects and escalating costs associated with obtaining approvals. Handling documentation with an eye toward litigation is the key to reducing disputes and enhancing the likelihood of success should litigation occur.

Best Best & Krieger LLP’s (BBK) Environmental Law & Natural Resources attorneys guide both private and public agency clients through all aspects of the CEQA and land use entitlement process, assuring full compliance with CEQA’s requirements. From pre-project planning, document preparation, noticing and approvals through ensuing litigation, a single team helps at every stage, minimizing costs and delays while maximizing environmental protection. We prepare local CEQA guidelines for more than 70 public agencies, including cities, school districts, water districts and special districts, and are proficient at reviewing, preparing and revising environmental impact reports, notices of exemption, initial studies, negative declarations, findings and statements of overriding considerations and addenda. Additionally, we advise on mitigation monitoring and reporting plans.  

Experienced in every type of project that breaks ground, BBK attorneys have successfully advised on CEQA issues and challenges for diverse projects, including: commercial infrastructure, residential and mixed-use projects; industrial facilities and warehouses; specific and general plans; and habitat conservation plans and projects. Skilled at the subtleties of CEQA review and related permitting, we tailor our analysis to reflect rapidly evolving laws, such as those involving greenhouse gas emissions, endangered species and other potential areas of vulnerability. Our attorneys’ deep understanding of CEQA enables us to represent clients before administrative boards and trial and appellate courts throughout California.  

We fully grasp the interplay of CEQA and other environmental statutes, including the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, the National Environmental Policy Act and state and federal Clean Water Acts, enabling our clients to rely on one team at one firm to navigate them through CEQA and all related environmental law requirements.