What is CEQA? The California Environmental Quality Act is
generally recognized as the strongest state environmental law in
the nation. Signed by then Gov. Reagan in 1970, CEQA initially
applied only to public agencies. The California Supreme Court
later extended its reach to private development. Under CEQA,
agencies such as a cities and counties must identify the
environmental effects, if any, of most major project proposals.
The agencies also determine whether a full-blown environmental
impact report is required to offset the harm. Public review is
mandatory. A project must identify impacts and offer mitigation
in such diverse categories as air quality, water, traffic,
noise, wildlife and aesthetics, among others. Developers can
address the impacts in many ways, such as adding traffic lanes,
providing open space, contributing to a sewer plant expansion,
or downsizing the project. SACRAMENTO Signed by Republican Gov.
Ronald Reagan and strengthened by a series of court rulings and
legislation, California’s bed