News & Ideas

November 21, 2024

Two Things You Need to Know About the Latest NEPA Ruling

On November 12, 2024, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (DC Circuit) ruled on Marin Audubon Society v. Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, and National Park Service. As part of its decision, the court ruled that the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) does not have the authority to issue binding regulations implementing the National Environmental […]

October 22, 2024

Western Burrowing Owl Listed as a Candidate for California Endangered Species Act

On October 10, 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission accepted the petition to list the western burrowing owl as threatened or endangered, and designated it as a candidate species. The species will have full CESA protections until the California Department of Fish and Wildlife decides whether listing is warranted, which will likely occur in late 2025 or early 2026.

October 24, 2024

Exciting Growth in the Northwest: Four Senior Hires Join ESA

ESA is pleased to announce exciting new additions to the Northwest region as we welcome Maya Hunnewell, Chad McKinney, Vanessa Rogers, and Colin Worsley to the firm. Each of these individuals bring a depth of experience within their fields—together, they will expand ESA’s scientific and regulatory expertise in our environmental planning, biological resources, and environmental […]