Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. Cal. Dep't of Conservation
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Renner, J.
*217 The Center for Biological Diversity appeals from a judgment denying its petition for a writ of mandate challenging an environmental impact report (EIR) prepared by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (Department) pursuant to a law known as Senate Bill No. 4. (Stats. 2013, ch. 313, § 2, enacting Sen. Bill No.4; hereafter, Senate Bill No. 4.) Senate Bill No. 4 added sections 3150 through *455 3161 to the Public Resources Code to address the need for additional information about the environmental effects of well stimulation treatments such as hydraulic fracturing and acid well stimulation. (Stats. 2013, ch. 313, §§ 1 & 2; see Sen. Floor Analysis of Sen. Bill No. 4, dated Sept. 12, 2013; Assem. Floor Analysis of Sen. Bill No. 4, dated Sept. 9, 2013.) 1 As relevant here, Senate Bill No. 4 required the Department to prepare an EIR "pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ( [Public Resources Code] Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) [CEQA] ), to provide the public with detailed information regarding any potential environmental impacts of well stimulation in the state." ( § 3161, subd. (b)(3)(A).)