April 29, 2010

NEPA Revival in California: Strategies and Lessons from the Renewable Energy Boom

Co-sponsored by:
Farella Braun + Martel LLP and
the Environmental Law Institute

The National Environmental Policy Act is the principal federal charter for the protection of the environment and fundamental to the permitting and approval of natural resources and energy development projects. While often over shadowed in California by its state equivalent, the California Environmental Quality Act, there has been a substantial increase in NEPA compliance issues in California as a result the increasing interest in the federal public lands for siting renewable energy and transmission projects and funding mechanisms provided through federal grants and loan guarantees. This panel discussed current projects undergoing NEPA review in California, new issues and pressures resulting from the renewable energy boom, and strategies and lessons learned through this evolving process.

Panelists:
John Leshy, Harry D. Sunderland Distinguished Professor of Real Property Law, University of California Hastings College of the Law, Former Solicitor (General Counsel) of the U.S. Department of the Interior (moderator)
Joshua Basofin, California Representative, Defenders of Wildlife
Jennifer Johnson, Bay Area Energy Director, ESA
David Lazerwitz, Partner, Farella Braun + Martel LLP

Downloads:
Joshua Basofin PowerPoint
Jennifer Johnson PowerPoint
David Lazerwitz PowerPoint
mp3 recording