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NewsPanelists Discuss Impact of AB32 on EIR ProcessNovember 19, 2007 San Diego, CA - On Tuesday, November 13, the Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana District Council held its annual Trends Conference to discuss the "dollars, sense and leadership of sustainability." In a panel discussion addressing how to survive and flourish in a sustainable future, moderated by Jim Waring, president of CleanTech San Diego, panelists discussed how to navigate the legal complexities created foremost by California Assembly Bill 32, the global warming solutions act. Panelist Gary Jakobs, principal of EDAW, said that AB 32 presents both challenges and opportunities. "Considering greenhouse gasses make us take a better look at planning, though looking at it on an individual project basis is probably too extreme," he said, referring to the question of how AB 32 will impact environment impact report requirements. Sandra Goldberg, deputy director of the California State Attorney General's Office, responded by advising caution. "It's the law, and you can't ignore it on an individual basis because of cumulative greenhouse gas effects. Individual projects may offer opportunities to reduce emissions, even if they're small." Goldberg later added that "groups that really care about climate change will be judicious. If a project is responsible, it's a good thing, and 'dumb' projects are at greatest risk." Jakobs says said that a lack of case law as it pertains to AB32 is the greatest concern for his clients. "Our clients are nervous because they feel like they're the first ones to test it," he said. David Osias, partner at Allen Matkins law firm, feels like these clients are justified in their fear. "EIRs are more of a litigation target than a planning tool. Address any changes your project might make, otherwise you're an easy target," he said. "Give decision makers goal numbers," he said. "What's good, and how does your project compare?" About ULI # # # |
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