What is CEQA?

CEQA, or the California Environmental Quality Act, was adopted in 1970 and incorporated in the Public Resources Code §§21000-21177. The statute requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.

CEQA applies to projects undertaken, funded or requiring an issuance of a permit by a public agency. The analysis of a project required by CEQA usually takes the form of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Negative Declaration (ND), or Environmental Assessment (EA).

PDF CEQA Resources and Links

CEQA Criteria and GHG Thresholds
Reference Table for Adopted CEQA Thresholds of Significance

Greenhouse Gas Information

National

US EPA

State

Air Resources Board Information on Climate Change

Planning downloads and links

Private consultants please read: Modeling Emissions for important information.

District specific information

MCAQMD Indirect Source Review Guidelines (Indirect source rule)
STI Report on local Air Quality - Executive Summary (1998)
Air Quality Settings for Environmental Documents (for consultants)

Modeling Emissions - Planning Program Approved Models List:

The District requires that all CEQA, NEPA and other modeling use the latest ARB approved version, or alternatives designated by the Air Pollution Control Officer.

The District is requiring the use of the following models:

CALEEMOD Allowed for all projects required for projects with application date* after 7/1/12