California Environmental Quality Act and surface mining reclamation

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Calif. Geol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5296060

In 1970, the State Legislature enacted the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to provide decision makers and the public with information about how government actions affect the environment. CEQA is state policy to develop and maintain a high quality environment now and in the future, and take all actions necessary to protect, rehabilitate and enhance the environmental quality of the State. CEQA requires government agencies to disclose, consider, and when possible, avoid or reduce the significant environmental impacts of their actions. Specifically, CEQA establishes (1) state wide policy for environmental protection; (2) requires government decision makers to disclose the environmental impacts of their actions; (3) provides a mechanism to identify and mitigate environmental impacts; (4) requires government decision makers to explain the basis of their decisions; (5) promotes communication and coordination among governmental agencies; and (6) encourages public participation in governmental decision making. This paper describes several court decisions recently handed down related to surface mine reclamation.

• OSTI ID: 5296060
• Journal Information: Calif. Geol.; (United States), Journal Name: Calif. Geol.; (United States) Vol. 40:1; ISSN CGEOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CALIFORNIA
COURTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
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