NEPA

Carstens, Black & Minteer has done considerable work under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), both in administrative processes and in federal court.  For example, CBM attorneys represented the City of South Pasadena in opposing the extension of the 710 Freeway through the City.  CBM was part of a team of consultants for the City, and the one primarily responsible for development of the air quality and environmental justice arguments against the freeway extension, and in support of a low build multi-modal alternative. After the Federal Highway Administration issued a Record of Decision to extend the 710 Freeway, the firm joined with other counsel in challenging the approval on NEPA, Clean Air Act, and historic preservation grounds.  A federal district court granted a preliminary injunction against further development of the project.  Subsequently, the federal government indicated it would prepare a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.  Later, the State withdrew the Notice of Determination for the EIR on the route, and agreed that this action nullifies the route.  (City of South Pasadena v. Slater (1999) 56 F.Supp.2d 1106.)