The Cypress Freeway in West Oakland was constructed long before CEQA was adopted. This elevated freeway was built on soil subject to liquefaction, and it bisected a low-income community in West Oakland. After the freeway collapsed in the 1989 earthquake, its reconstruction required an EIR. As a result of that analysis and the associated public participation, the freeway was relocated away from neighborhoods to protect residents from air pollution, and it was built at ground level to prevent future collapse. This case demonstrates the difference the EIR process makes with large infrastructure projects.
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