Discuss and make a recommendation for a potential area of change for CEQA.

Since its early days, CEQA has undergone a number of changes, in many cases as a result of lawsuits and the court’s interpretation of the legislation. In this paper, you will discuss and make a recommendation for a potential area of change for CEQA.

This assignment is an original paper, covering one of three topics, outlined below. You must include at least three relevant, and properly cited references.

Your paper should be organized in these three parts:

Part 1: Introduction and Background (2-2.5 pages) What is your paper about?

Introduction (~½ page):

• In your own words, describe the topic of your paper and why it warrants discussion.
• Briefly summarize the key elements of the issue, and give a concise overview of what you will talk about in your paper.

Background (1½ – 2 pages):

• What do we already know about this topic?
• This part of your paper involves a review of the facts and the history of the topic.
• Include the important information related to the topic you choose;
  • Be sure to cover any important concepts or definitions!
• What is the history of the topic?
  • Include key dates and events and any actors involved in the issue. Describe the relevant past and current activities related to the topic you have selected.
  • What is the current status of this topic or issue?

Part 2: Possible Outcomes (2-2.5 pages)

What are the different actions that might be/might have been taken, and what are the likely consequences of those actions?

• In this part of the paper, you will outline the potential outcomes if different actions are taken related to your topic. You may structure this part in one of two ways:
  • Devote about one page to each of two possible outcomes; for example one page discussing the impacts of increasing CEQA streamlining, and then one page discussing impacts of leaving things as they area now.
  • Alternatively, you may compare and contrast impacts to different groups or factors; for example, compare impacts to lead agencies if EJ were covered more extensively in CEQA, and if it were covered less extensively. Then do the same for minority groups, and additional relevant factors.
• For the outcomes you discuss, present evidence that the actions would lead to these outcomes. You may include evidence from external sources, as well as the arguments presented by involved interest groups and agencies. Be sure to note the reliability of the information from these different types of sources!

Part 3: Policy Recommendations (2-2.5 pages)

What should policy makers do to address your topic?

In this part of the paper, you will discuss your recommendations for the next steps on your topic. Your recommendations may include any of the following:

• a broad new policy
• a change in the implementation
• no changes are needed
• going back to a previous method
• or…

This is the part of the paper for you to express your own conclusions about the topic, but you must present clear arguments and provide support for your recommendation. You may structure this paper however you prefer; however best supports your argument.

Consider the following:

• What are the competing factors or interests that need to be taken into consideration when making recommendations about your topic?
• Are there opposing opinions about your topic, and what are the arguments used to support those opinions? Do different views stem from different priorities?
• What could have been done differently in the past?

The focus of this part of the paper is on what to do now:

• What should be done to remedy any negative impacts related toy our topic?
• Think about what critics would say about your recommendations and how you would respond or offer counter arguments.
• Finally, close your paper with your thoughts on what needs to happen for your recommendation to become reality; political support? Funding? Societal change?

Paper topics (choose one):

Topic A: CEQA Streamlining

Some argue that CEQA produces a lot of red tape and paperwork, and slows down even projects that have positive environmental objectives. A number of efforts have been made to streamline CEQA over the years. For this topic, discuss these different streamlining efforts, and make a recommendation about whether these are sufficient or too extensive. Think about how to balance streamlining with the statutory objectives of the California Environmental Quality Act.

Topic B: CEQA and Environmental Justice

In what ways does CEQA review include environmental justice considerations? How is this carried out in practice? For this topic make a recommendation about how extensively CEQA should address environmental justice. Make sure to provide a clear definition of environmental justice, and what it means for those affected. Your paper should describe the ways that development projects and other actions subject to CEQA have environmental justice implications, and how or whether the CEQA process should address these potential issues.

Topic C: Public Input in CEQA

There are numerous opportunities for the public to comment on, and be involved in the process of CEQA review. Public involvement is criticized for giving too much power to nay-sayers and NIMBY-ist interests. For this topic make a recommendation about what the role of the public should be in CEQA. You may consider the goal of CEQA to include public involvement, and how this helps or hinders the accomplishment of CEQA’s objectives.