California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

Fact Sheet

Study Description

Agenda

Overview

Since its enaction in 1970, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has been California’s premier piece of environmental legislation. The law requires public agencies and decision-makers to evaluate the environmental impact of a proposed project, determine if the project will have significant impacts on environmental quality, disclose those impacts to the public, and mitigate them to the degree feasible.

For more than fifty years, CEQA has played a critical role in promoting environmental quality and encouraging public awareness around land use decisions.

However, CEQA has also long been at the center of polarized debate and controversy. The law is subject to intense disagreement over its impact on housing, land use, economic development, and infrastructure. Some critics argue that CEQA impedes the realization of state policy priorities around housing construction, infill development, and addressing climate change. CEQA’s supporters, meanwhile, contend that this argument greatly exaggerates CEQA’s impact and instead point to the law as a vital tool for achieving state environmental goals and advancing environmental justice.

In this study, the Commission will survey the debate that surrounds CEQA, examine CEQA’s role in protecting the environment and providing public disclosure, and evaluate the nature and extent of CEQA’s impact on housing, land use, and other issues. The Commission will also explore the present state of the CEQA process and consider whether changes to CEQA or the CEQA process may be merited—and how to best ensure those changes, if needed, preserve the environmental protections and public accountability that the law affords.

If you would like more information about this study, please contact Tristan Stein at Tristan.Stein@lhc.ca.gov. To be notified electronically of meetings, events, or when the review is complete, please subscribe to Little Hoover Commission updates: https://bit.ly/LittleHooverNews.

Print Agenda
  • April 27
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
    Noon.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
    NOON
    Thursday, April 27, 2023
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922
    Password: 032335

     

    1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act
      1. Witnesses to be announced
      2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

    Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

  • April 13
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
    Noon, Join via Zoom: URL: http://bit.ly/3JjSkFV Phone: (888) 788-
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
    NOON
    Thursday, April 13, 2023
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943
    Password: 753415

     

    1. Impact of the California Environmental Quality Act
      1. Witnesses to be announced
      2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

    Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

  • March 16
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
    9:30 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
    9:30 A.M. to NOON; 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
    Thursday, March 16, 2023
     
    Join in person:
    Sierra Hearing Room
    CalEPA Headquarters Building
    1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925 3255 8289
    Password: 798546
     

    1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

    Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. to Noon

    a. Panel 1: Framing the CEQA Debate

    i. Chris Elmendorf, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    ii. Sean B. Hecht, Managing Attorney, California Regional Office, Earthjustice (Written Testimony)

    b. Panel 2: Understanding CEQA's Impacts in Context

    i. Laura Tolkoff, Transportation Policy Director, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    ii. Moira O'Neill, Associate Professor in Urban and Environmental Planning, UVA School of Architecture, and Eric Biber, Edward C. Halbach Jr. Professor of Law, Berkeley Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    c. Panel 3: The Case for Changes to CEQA: CEQA's Challenge to Homebuilding

    i. Dan Dunmoyer, President & CEO, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)

    d. Panel 4: The Case for Changes to CEQA: The Effects of CEQA Litigation

    i. Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Holland & Knight (Presentation)

    e. Panel 5: The Argument for CEQA: Environmental Protection and Environmental Justice

    i. Aruna Prabhala, Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity (Written Testimony)

    ii. Jennifer Ganata, Senior Staff Attorney, Communities for a Better Environment (Written Testimony)

    f. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

    Registration for the hearing is not required but if you wish to let us know how you plan on attending the event or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

    Video
April 27
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
Noon. Join via Zoom: URL: https://bit.ly/3IS0ofn Phone: (888) 788-0099 Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922 Password: 032335
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
NOON
Thursday, April 27, 2023
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922
Password: 032335

 

  1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act
    1. Witnesses to be announced
    2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

 

Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

April 13
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
Noon, Join via Zoom: URL: http://bit.ly/3JjSkFV Phone: (888) 788-0099 Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943 Password: 753415
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
NOON
Thursday, April 13, 2023
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943
Password: 753415

 

  1. Impact of the California Environmental Quality Act
    1. Witnesses to be announced
    2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

 

Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

March 16
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
9:30 a.m.
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
9:30 A.M. to NOON; 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
 
Join in person:
Sierra Hearing Room
CalEPA Headquarters Building
1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 925 3255 8289
Password: 798546
 

1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. to Noon

a. Panel 1: Framing the CEQA Debate

i. Chris Elmendorf, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

ii. Sean B. Hecht, Managing Attorney, California Regional Office, Earthjustice (Written Testimony)

b. Panel 2: Understanding CEQA's Impacts in Context

i. Laura Tolkoff, Transportation Policy Director, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (Written Testimony, Presentation)

ii. Moira O'Neill, Associate Professor in Urban and Environmental Planning, UVA School of Architecture, and Eric Biber, Edward C. Halbach Jr. Professor of Law, Berkeley Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

c. Panel 3: The Case for Changes to CEQA: CEQA's Challenge to Homebuilding

i. Dan Dunmoyer, President & CEO, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)

d. Panel 4: The Case for Changes to CEQA: The Effects of CEQA Litigation

i. Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Holland & Knight (Presentation)

e. Panel 5: The Argument for CEQA: Environmental Protection and Environmental Justice

i. Aruna Prabhala, Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity (Written Testimony)

ii. Jennifer Ganata, Senior Staff Attorney, Communities for a Better Environment (Written Testimony)

f. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

Registration for the hearing is not required but if you wish to let us know how you plan on attending the event or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

Video
Print Agenda
  • April 27
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
    Noon.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
    NOON
    Thursday, April 27, 2023
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922
    Password: 032335

     

    1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act
      1. Witnesses to be announced
      2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

    Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

  • April 13
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
    Noon, Join via Zoom: URL: http://bit.ly/3JjSkFV Phone: (888) 788-
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
    NOON
    Thursday, April 13, 2023
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943
    Password: 753415

     

    1. Impact of the California Environmental Quality Act
      1. Witnesses to be announced
      2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

    Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

  • March 16
    2023
    Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
    9:30 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda
    AGENDA
    Hearing on California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
    9:30 A.M. to NOON; 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
    Thursday, March 16, 2023
     
    Join in person:
    Sierra Hearing Room
    CalEPA Headquarters Building
    1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814
     
    Join via Zoom:
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925 3255 8289
    Password: 798546
     

    1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

    Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. to Noon

    a. Panel 1: Framing the CEQA Debate

    i. Chris Elmendorf, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    ii. Sean B. Hecht, Managing Attorney, California Regional Office, Earthjustice (Written Testimony)

    b. Panel 2: Understanding CEQA's Impacts in Context

    i. Laura Tolkoff, Transportation Policy Director, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    ii. Moira O'Neill, Associate Professor in Urban and Environmental Planning, UVA School of Architecture, and Eric Biber, Edward C. Halbach Jr. Professor of Law, Berkeley Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

    Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    c. Panel 3: The Case for Changes to CEQA: CEQA's Challenge to Homebuilding

    i. Dan Dunmoyer, President & CEO, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)

    d. Panel 4: The Case for Changes to CEQA: The Effects of CEQA Litigation

    i. Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Holland & Knight (Presentation)

    e. Panel 5: The Argument for CEQA: Environmental Protection and Environmental Justice

    i. Aruna Prabhala, Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity (Written Testimony)

    ii. Jennifer Ganata, Senior Staff Attorney, Communities for a Better Environment (Written Testimony)

    f. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

    Registration for the hearing is not required but if you wish to let us know how you plan on attending the event or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 6, 2023
     
    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

    On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

    The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

    The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
     
    Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
     
    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

    Video
April 27
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
Noon. Join via Zoom: URL: https://bit.ly/3IS0ofn Phone: (888) 788-0099 Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922 Password: 032335
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 3)
NOON
Thursday, April 27, 2023
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 965 1087 6922
Password: 032335

 

  1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act
    1. Witnesses to be announced
    2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

 

Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

April 13
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
Noon, Join via Zoom: URL: http://bit.ly/3JjSkFV Phone: (888) 788-0099 Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943 Password: 753415
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 2)
NOON
Thursday, April 13, 2023
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 965 6918 7943
Password: 753415

 

  1. Impact of the California Environmental Quality Act
    1. Witnesses to be announced
    2. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

 

Event registration is not required but if you wish to add the event to your calendar or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

March 16
2023
Hearing on the Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
9:30 a.m.
Public Hearing
Agenda
AGENDA
Hearing on California Environmental Quality Act (Part 1)
9:30 A.M. to NOON; 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
 
Join in person:
Sierra Hearing Room
CalEPA Headquarters Building
1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814
 
Join via Zoom:
Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 925 3255 8289
Password: 798546
 

1. Effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. to Noon

a. Panel 1: Framing the CEQA Debate

i. Chris Elmendorf, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

ii. Sean B. Hecht, Managing Attorney, California Regional Office, Earthjustice (Written Testimony)

b. Panel 2: Understanding CEQA's Impacts in Context

i. Laura Tolkoff, Transportation Policy Director, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (Written Testimony, Presentation)

ii. Moira O'Neill, Associate Professor in Urban and Environmental Planning, UVA School of Architecture, and Eric Biber, Edward C. Halbach Jr. Professor of Law, Berkeley Law (Written Testimony, Presentation)

Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

c. Panel 3: The Case for Changes to CEQA: CEQA's Challenge to Homebuilding

i. Dan Dunmoyer, President & CEO, California Building Industry Association (Written Testimony)

d. Panel 4: The Case for Changes to CEQA: The Effects of CEQA Litigation

i. Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Holland & Knight (Presentation)

e. Panel 5: The Argument for CEQA: Environmental Protection and Environmental Justice

i. Aruna Prabhala, Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity (Written Testimony)

ii. Jennifer Ganata, Senior Staff Attorney, Communities for a Better Environment (Written Testimony)

f. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

Registration for the hearing is not required but if you wish to let us know how you plan on attending the event or you would like to receive additional information about the study, please sign up for the event on Eventbrite.

Public Notice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2023
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-0926

 
Notice of Hearings on CEQA and Business Meeting

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a business meeting beginning at noon. Both the hearing and the business meeting will be held in the Sierra Hearing Room of the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento and will also be accessible via Zoom

The Commission will hold two subsequent public hearings on April 13 and April 27 to further examine the effects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These hearings will start at noon and will be conducted entirely via Zoom.

The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included above with each events agenda and on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
 
During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make a public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or by sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event.
 
Public comments will be heard at the end of the public hearings and the start of the business meeting and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. The events may be cancelled without notice. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by April 9 for the April 16 hearing and business meeting; by April 6 for the April 13 hearing; and by April 20 for the April 27 hearing.

Video