CEQA practice advisory: Tribal cultural resources and consultation

Understanding Assembly Bill 52 (Chapter 532, Statutes of 2014)

At ICF, our consultants work with clients in both the public and private sectors on issues that impact both sides of this spectrum. Part of our expertise is to help our clients achieve their goals while making sure they understand the impact their actions have on others in society, and how they can remain sensitive to that impact—and in compliance with rapidly changing regulations. It’s just one of the many ways ICF is helping our clients have a lasting and positive effect on their customers, their communities, and the world.

For example, prior to 2014, Native American tribes did not have a formal and consistent role in the environmental review process, and consequently, tribal cultural resources, sacred places, and traditions were often overlooked under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Assembly Bill 52 (Chapter 532, Statutes of 2014) established a formal consultation process for California tribes as part of the CEQA and equates significant impacts on “tribal cultural resources” with significant environmental impacts.

In this white paper, two of ICF’s top environmental planners and CEQA specialists examine tribal consultation and how the new procedures under AB 52 offer tribes the opportunity to take an active role in the CEQA process and protect tribal cultural resources.

Download the paper to learn more about this important step toward bringing tribal concerns into the CEQA process.