The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) informs both state and local governmental decision-makers and the public about potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities, identifies ways to avoid or reduce environmental impacts, and discloses the reasons why a project is approved if significant environmental impacts would result. At Berkeley Lab, the responsible State Agency is the University of California (UC, or the University).
For applicable projects undertaken at Berkeley Lab that may affect the environment, the University must determine what level of CEQA review is necessary. Such review may take the form of a Categorical Exemption, a Negative Declaration, or an Environmental Impact Report. Applicable projects include those that are funded, permitted, approved, or otherwise discretionarily authorized by the University. The Facilities Planning Department typically assists UC LBNL and/or the UC Regents in carrying through the University’s CEQA responsibilities.
CEQA links and information relevant to the University UC LBNL are provided below. Otherwise, for more information, please contact the Lab’s Environmental Planner.