In what year was the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) enacted?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was enacted in 1970 as a response to growing concerns about environmental planning and protection in California. Its primary purpose is to ensure that public agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed projects before making decisions. This legislation lays the groundwork for the assessment of potential environmental effects, allowing for public participation and informed decision-making. 1970 is a significant year, as it marked a pivotal moment in California’s commitment to environmental regulation, paralleling a broader national consciousness about environmental issues during that era. By cementing the process for evaluating environmental impacts, CEQA has become a foundational element in the practice of landscape architecture and environmental planning within the state.