Sierra Club v. City of Chico

Environmental groups challenged the City of Chico’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review for Valley’s Edge Specific Plan, which is planned for a 1,448-acre site and would consist of 2,777 dwelling units and 447,155 square feet of commercial development, as well as parks, open space, public facilities, and roadway infrastructure. The groups’ allegations included that the environmental impact report (EIR) failed to adequately disclose, analyze, and mitigate impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, they alleged that the EIR failed to analyze emissions impacts from construction activities; failed to adequately disclose or mitigate inconsistencies with applicable land use and climate policies, including the City’s Climate Action Plan; and failed to mitigate significant impacts from mobile sources. The petition also alleged that the City failed to assess climate change impacts on the project’s water supply and demand.