Environmental compliance is a cornerstone of SANDAG projects. By following federal, state, and local environmental review and permitting processes, we ensure that our critical transportation and infrastructure projects are designed in a way that protects natural resources and enhances the region’s quality of life.
Laws, Regulations, and Standards
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), SANDAG must evaluate the potential environmental impacts of its projects, consider alternatives, and identify mitigation measures to reduce unavoidable impacts. At the federal level, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires similar reviews, ensuring that federally funded or approved projects fully disclose and address their environmental consequences. Together, CEQA and NEPA provide transparency, promote public engagement, and lead to responsible decision-making.
In addition, SANDAG projects often require regulatory permits from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Coastal Commission, and Regional Water Quality Control Board. These permits ensure that projects comply with laws protecting wetlands, coastal resources, endangered species, and water quality. By coordinating CEQA, NEPA, and permitting efforts, SANDAG delivers projects that meet regional transportation needs while protecting the environment.
For more information on environmental compliance efforts, contact Deputy Director of Environmental Compliance and Climate Keith Greer at keith.greer@sandag.org or 619.699.7390.