Marin Conservation League’s
Land Use, Water and Transportation Meeting

CEQA’s Longstanding Value for California
A Response to Critics’ Claims of CEQA “Abuse” 

In recent years, developers, oil companies and others have been attacking the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in the state Legislature and the press. They claim that the law has been “abused” by local activists and has undermined the state’s efforts to provide needed housing. In her presentation to MCL’s Land Use Committee, Rachel Hooper will explain why these charges are unfounded. 

She will discuss studies by renowned housing experts and academics finding that CEQA is continuing to benefit our state as the Legislature intended. Not only has CEQA protected iconic natural and scenic resources in every part of the state, it has now become an essential tool in fighting climate change. In addition, disadvantaged communities now use CEQA to protect their residents from polluting industries. Rachel plans to share a short video demonstrating how CEQA is used for environmental justice. 

Rachel is a past MCL Board member. She is a former partner at the environmental law firm Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, and now serves as Of Counsel to the firm. Rachel has represented environmental organizations and community groups in CEQA litigation for over thirty years. Currently she is serving on the steering committee of CEQA Works, a coalition of over 200 conservation and environmental justice groups dedicated to preserve CEQA. (MCL is a member of CEQA Works.) 

Additional updates on transportation (SR 37 letter to Caltrans), Housing (latest Housing Elements) and Water.

Register for meeting here.

Meeting Packet Information

Speaker Information:

Rachel B. Hooper
Of Counsel
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP