In 2022, the Center for Biological Diversity sued the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) for approving two oil drilling projects based on outdated environmental review documents that failed to consider the projects’ effects on climate change or nearby residents. The first project covered nine new oil and gas wells in Santa Clarita, located near residential neighborhoods and a high school. The second permitted eight new wells in the Elk Hills oilfield in Kern County, an area that already has some of the worst air quality in the nation. CalGEM mooted the litigation by rescinding or canceling the permits. CEQA ensured that the oil drilling would not move forward without the current analysis on greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation of public health impacts.
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