Facts

Climate Action Campaign and Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation sued the City of San Diego asserting violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that though defendant adopted certain environmental measures, it has made little progress to achieve its purported environmental goals. According to plaintiffs, much of defendant's actions were adoption of lofty goals with little detail or mechanisms to effectuate success.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied that it abused its discretion in adopting its environmental plans and policies, and that effectuating and attaining measurable results takes time, but appreciated plaintiffs' efforts to ensure defendant's progress.

Result

Noting its continued commitment to its climate plan, defendant agreed to release additional emissions data to track progress and if necessary, make changes to the plan. Defendant also agreed to pay $120,000 for plaintiffs' fees.