Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
On December 30, 2009 the California Natural Resources Agency adopted the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Amendments. The new CEQA Guidelines require projects subject to CEQA to consider potential environmental effects caused by GHG emissions.
Related to climate adaptation, Section 15126.2. “Consideration and Discussion of Significant Environmental Impacts” directs public agencies to "evaluate any potentially significant impacts of locating development in other areas susceptible to hazardous conditions (e.g., floodplains, coastlines, wildfire risk areas) as identified in authoritative hazard maps, risk assessments or in land use plans addressing such hazards areas.”
Section 15064.4 provides guidance for determining the significance of GHG emissions, but does not establish explicit thresholds, and Section 15126.4(c) suggests general categories of acceptable mitigation.
The CEQA Guidelines are administrative regulations governing implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 and following). The CEQA Guidelines reflect the requirements set forth in the Public Resources Code, as well as court decisions interpreting the statute and practical planning considerations. Among other things, the Guidelines explain how to determine whether an activity is subject to environmental review, what steps are involved in the environmental review process, and the required content of environmental documents. The CEQA Guidelines apply to public agencies throughout the state, including local governments, special districts, and state agencies.
Publication Date: December 30, 2009
Related Organizations:
- California Natural Resources Agency
Sectors:
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Emergency preparedness
- Land management and conservation
- Land use and built environment
- Water resources
Resource Category:
Resource Types:
- Agency guidance/policy
States Affected:
Impacts:
