CEQA lawsuits by environmental groups and the Attorney General challenging the proposed 16-mile Foothill-South Toll Road led to a landmark agreement in 2017, permanently protecting San Onofre State Beach and adjoining open space. Petitioners alleged the 6-lane freeway would harm sensitive habitat within San Onofre, including habitat for eleven animal species listed as threatened or endangered under federal laws. The project also would have damaged important cultural resources, as the sacred Acjachemen village of Panhe is located within the park.
CEQA Successes
- Reversing Approval of Insecticide Use in California That Could Cause Bee Colonies to Collapse
- Rare Wildlife Habitat, Old Growth, Headwaters Protected from Church of the Woods Development Above Lake Arrowhead
- Mitigating Wildlife and Climate Impacts of Large Mixed-Use Development in Remote, Fire-Prone Area of San Diego County
- Ensuring Protection of Coho Salmon in Lagunitas Creek
- Averting Destructing of Habitat, Cultural Sites by Geotechnical Investigations for Pacheco Dam Project
- Protecting Lake Tahoe’s Water Quality from Discharges of Dangerous Herbicides
- Forcing a Large Industrial Park to Confront an Inadequate Water Supply
- Ensuring Protection of Water Quality in the Eel River from Large Infrastructure Projects
- Requiring a Water Supply for a Large Housing Development in Contra Costa County
- Establishing and Improving San Dieguito River Park