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Federal Agencies Request Comment on Modified Definition of Endangered Species	January 20, 2012
By William Most

On December 9, 2011, the two federal agencies responsible for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) announced a draft policy providing a new interpretation of a key phrase in the ESA's definition of "endangered species."
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Governor Brown Signs Senate Bill 436 (KEHOE) Authorizing Non-Profits and Special Districts to Hold Easements and Endowments	October 12, 2011
By Alicia Guerra

On October 8, 2011, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 436 authorizing state and local agencies to transfer funds to a nonprofit organization, special district or land trust that are set aside for long-term management of land acquired as mitigation for a development project.
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Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency Propose to Extend Their Reach Over Waters and Wetlands	June 23, 2011
By David Ivester

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency propose to expand their regulatory jurisdiction by reinterpreting two U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
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Mauritius Brings Law Of The Sea Arbitration Against The United Kingdom	April 12, 2011
By Peter Prows

The Chagos Archipelago, which dots the heart of the Indian Ocean, is in the middle of a very 21st century international dispute.
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State Water Resources Control Board Plans New Wetland Regulatory Program	January 14, 2011
By David Ivester

While California’s newly elected Governor Brown aims to cut the state budget and, toward that end, proposes rolling back some environmental programs, such as preservation of agricultural and open space preserves under the Williamson Act, the State Water Resources Control Board appears headed in the opposite direction.
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Bay Area Air Quality Management District Adopts Greenhouse Gas Guidelines	July 12, 2010
By Anne Arnold and William Most

Is there an environmental impact report in your future? If you are among those planning a development project within the geographic boundaries of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (“BAAQMD”) or even beyond, odds that the answer is “yes” just increased.
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In Upholding the Designation of Critical Habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl, The Ninth Circuit Decides Critical Issues for Future Designations	June 25, 2010
By David Ivester

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently resolved two issues fundamental to officially designating "critical habitat" for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
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July 1 Deadline Looming for Riparian and Pre-1914 Water Rights Holders to Report Diversions Or Face Stiff Penalties	June 14, 2010
By Peter Prows

A new California law requires water rights holders around the state to begin reporting pre-1914 and riparian water diversions to the State Water Resources Control Board ("Water Board") by July 1, 2010 or face penalties of $1,000 and up to $500 per day. Previously, riparian and pre-1914 water rights holders could abstain from reporting without consequence, and diverters in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ("Delta") were exempt from reporting their diversions.
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