Fast-Track CEQA & Environmental Leadership Litigation

RMM has represented public agencies and private developers in multiple “fast track” CEQA cases subject to accelerated judicial review under special legislation, including the AB 900 Environmental Leadership Development program and other project-specific fast-track statutes. These matters require strict compliance with unique administrative record preparation, briefing, and procedural rules designed to move cases from filing to appellate resolution in less than a year.

Environmental Leadership Development Projects

AB 900 authorized the Governor to certify qualifying projects as Environmental Leadership Development Projects if they meet stringent requirements for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, labor standards, and environmental performance. Certified projects receive expedited CEQA review directly to the Court of Appeal under a compressed schedule.

RMM represented the Golden State Warriors during environmental review and subsequent fast-track litigation challenging the EIR for the Chase Center. The litigation was fully resolved, and construction commenced in less than a year.

RMM also successfully defended the City of Los Angeles in expedited litigation challenging the EIR for the Yucca Hollywood mixed-use development. Even with COVID-related delays, the matter was resolved in approximately one year.

Project-Specific Fast-Track Legislation

Oakland Waterfront Ballpark (AB 734)

AB 734 provided project-specific expedited CEQA review for the proposed Oakland Waterfront Ballpark District, imposing heightened standards in exchange for a 270-day litigation timeline.  RMM represented the Oakland A’s during environmental review and successfully defended the project, resulting in a published decision East Oakland Stadium Alliance v. City of Oakland (2023) 89 Cal.App.5th 1226. RMM also represented the A’s in separate litigation challenging the Governor’s authority to certify the project under AB 734 in Pacific Merchant Shipping Assn. v. Newsom (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 711.

Intuit Dome/Clippers Arena (AB 987)

RMM represented the City of Inglewood in securing expedited judicial review for the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Clippers, under AB 987. RMM also developed and managed the daily posting of project documents to ensure compliance with AB 987’s expedited review provisions. Inituit Dome opened to rave reviews in time for the NBA’s 2024-2025 season.

Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (SB 44) 

RMM represents Metro in securing expedited judicial review for the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit project under SB 44, including developing and managing a system for the daily posting of project documents to ensure compliance with CEQA’s judicial streamlining requirements.