CEQA Update

Thinking Forward
Categorized Under: Environment

This update is the latest in a continuing series of articles by ICF updating the last three months of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) cases. The California (CA) Supreme Court just issued its latest CEQA decision on the “standing” of corporations to bring CEQA lawsuits, as well as the information needed to bring a “fair argument” for preparation of an initial study supporting a Negative Declaration for the City of Manhattan Beach to issue an ordinance banning plastic bag use at commercial retailers.

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Thinking Forward - An ICF International Publication

Authored By

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.
Ken Bogdan
Senior FellowICF International

Ken Bogdan is an Environmental Counsel with ICF International, specializing in environmental laws and regulations—California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Sections 404 of the Clean Water Act, and both federal and California Endangered Species Acts. His primary function is developing strategies for environmental compliance. As leader of the ICF environmental education program, Mr. Bogdan regularly organizes and presents workshops on CEQA, NEPA, and other environmental regulations for clients and educational institutions, including several campuses of the University of California Extension.

Mr. Bogdan is coauthor of CEQA Deskbook, The NEPA Book: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Wetlands Regulation: A Complete Guide to Federal and California Programs.
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.