Lessons Learned from 2012 CEQA Cases

Presenters

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  Terry Rivasplata

  Technical DirectorICF International

  Terry Rivasplata, a Senior Environmental Planner with ICF International, specializes in preparing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents for projects ranging from schools to general plans. He teaches classes on CEQA and related topics for clients and the University of California Extension.

  He was with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research from 1985 to 1998, including a stint as the chief of both the state clearinghouse and the planning unit. He participated in drafting the 1998, 1997, and 1994 amendments to the CEQA Guidelines. He is the editor of the Environmental Assessor for the Association of Environmental Professionals and was coauthor of the 1998, 1990, and 1987 editions of General Plan Guidelines.

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  Jonathan Riker

  ManagerICF International

  Jonathan Riker is a licensed attorney and professional urban planner with seven years’ experience in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance and federal, state, and local land use and land development regulation. He provides oversight and in-house guidance on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and CEQA documents.

  He is the first attorney in Los Angeles to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional status conferred by the U.S. Green Building Council. At the Los Angeles City Planning Department, he coordinated environmental review for major development projects. He also worked for an environmental consulting firm, preparing CEQA and NEPA documentation for large-scale public works projects.

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  Ronald Bass

  Senior FellowICF International

  Ronald Bass has participated in environmental and planning studies under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and state planning laws. He is coauthor of The CEQA DESKBOOK: A Step-by-Step Approach to the California Environmental Quality Act and The NEPA Book: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act.

  A member of the editorial board of California Environmental Law Reporter, he writes articles about legislation, regulations, and court decisions. Mr. Bass has served as president of the Association of Environmental Professionals and the American Planning Association, California chapter, from which he received the Distinguished Leadership Award.