Environmental Reviews

Rendering of red seven-story student housing building with students walking in open grassy plaza in front of building

L.A. Times Editorial Board Calls for CEQA Reform

The Board argues that the environmental law, while important, has too often been ‘weaponized’ by NIMBY groups to delay or halt housing development.

January 31, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Muni

CEQA Exemptions Could Finally Be Granted to Sustainable Transportation Projects

California has traditionally granted environmental exemptions to large projects like football stadiums, a practice criticized by environmentalists and urbanists alike. SB 288 would change that, with exemptions for sustainable transportation projects.

June 16, 2020 - San Francisco Chronicle

Donald Trump

Trump Signs Two Executive Orders Limiting States' Authority Over Energy Pipelines

The Trump administration's "energy dominance" agenda depends, in part, on growing the energy distribution network, namely pipelines, rail facilities, and ports. However, states can use the Clean Water Act to block pipelines and coal terminals.

April 15, 2019 - InsideClimate News

The San Pedro River where it passes through Saint David, south of Benson, Arizona.

Environmental Groups Sue to Halt 28,000-Home Development in Arizona

The environmental review for a master-planned community outside of Benson is the subject of a lawsuit by a coalition of environmental groups.

February 9, 2019 - Arizona Republic

Lynx Blue Line

A Defense of the National Environmental Policy Act

A reminder of the intended purpose of environmental law.

August 17, 2018 - Center for American Progress

Dakota Access Pipeline

Trump Reverses Obama's Rejections of Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines

Fulfilling two campaign promises, President Trump conditionally approved two controversial pipelines to transport oil sands from Alberta and Bakken oil from North Dakota, certain to stir opposition from environmentalists and Native Americans.

January 24, 2017 - USA Today

No Luxury Condos

San Francisco Rejects Environmental Review for Lack of Gentrification Analysis

In what could be a first, but potential not a last, the power of the California Environmental Quality Act was invoked in San Francisco with regard to concerns about gentrification.

December 7, 2016 - San Francisco Chronicle

Senate Showdown Expected on House Highway Funding Bill

The Senate will hear four amendments to the House bill, passed July 15, in the last week of July. Sens. Boxer, Carper, and Corker want the funding extension to terminate on December 19 rather than May 31. On August 1, DOT reduces payments to states.

July 27, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

After Years of Delays, San Francisco's Bike Plan Hits the Street

Delayed from implementation for four years, San Francisco's bicycle plan has been legally ruled into action. The first lanes are being painted.

August 12, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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