California Environmental Quality Act

A nonprofit in Imperial County, California, is challenging the approval of a lithium mine and geothermal project, arguing the environmental impact analysis was flawed and insufficiently addressed water usage and tribal consultation. The project, led by Controlled Thermal Resources, faces legal and environmental concerns over water resources and potential air quality impacts.

Tech billionaires are lobbying California state leaders to fast-track environmental reviews for a new Bay Area city project. They have hired former political figures to push legislation and seek to bypass local restrictions by annexing land into Suisun City. The project, led by California Forever, includes a shipbuilding operation and manufacturing hub, with defense company Saronic Technologies considering it as a factory location.

A proposed million-square-foot data center in Imperial County, California, faced legal challenges and a 45-day moratorium after local leaders reversed their initial approval due to public backlash. Developer Sebastian Rucci claims the project is legally permitted and filed a lawsuit against the moratorium, while residents and officials argue it could harm the rural community's environment and economy.

A San Diego community group, Save Del Cerro, is challenging the development of All Peoples Church's mega church project in court, arguing city officials violated environmental laws by inadequately analyzing traffic impacts. The church claims its Sunday services will generate 2,000 daily trips, but the city used a traffic study showing only 280 weekday trips to exempt the project from further analysis.

California courts ruled against the Fanita Ranch development project in Santee, citing violations of environmental and zoning laws. The project, which aimed to build 3,000 homes and face wildfire risks, was rejected by two judges who found the city of Santee bypassed its own regulations and state laws.