Writing Effective CEQA Documents
ENVR-40008
Writing Effective CEQA Documents
Effective writing is one of the most highly cited and desirable skills in CEQA practice. Learn how to prepare technically compliant, legally defensible, and high quality environmental documents including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), and required CEQA findings. Strengthen writing skills needed for professional practice, including skills to enhance document effectiveness, clarity, and accuracy. This advanced course is designed to give students the practical training needed to produce high quality, legally defensible environmental documents.
Learning Objectives
- Understand application of different types of environmental documents and legal risk
- Write a defensible Project Description
- Establish appropriate Environmental Baselines
- Learn how to respond to comments on Draft EIRs
- Understand how case law continuously shapes CEQA practice
AICP Credit
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. For a list of additional AICP CM Events at UC San Diego Extension go to American Planning Association.
CM | 18 |
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/27/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Chad Beckstrom
Chad Beckstrom, AICP is a Senior Environmental Director and leader of Ascent’s greater Orange County/Los Angeles office. He has over 25 years of experience in the environmental planning consulting industry and brings expert knowledge and application of CEQA and other environmental regulatory requirements. Chad thrives on solving complex problems and providing his clients with the best professional advice, and is highly-motivated by interesting and challenging work.
Chad's project portfolio includes maritime port development, water/wastewater infrastructure, renewable energy and transmission, transportation infrastructure, schools, recreation and parks, habitat restoration, residential/ commercial/ industrial development, and master planning projects. In addition to serving as an instructor for UCSD Extension’s CEQA Certificate Program, he has instructed courses, workshops, and webinars on CEQA and NEPA through other university extension programs, educational seminars, professional organization conferences and workshops, and client-focused customized training programs.
Chad earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from Cal Poly Pomona, and a B.A. in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine, and he maintains an active and up-to-date Certification from the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Chad Beckstrom
Chad Beckstrom, AICP is a Senior Environmental Director and leader of Ascent’s greater Orange County/Los Angeles office. He has over 25 years of experience in the environmental planning consulting industry and brings expert knowledge and application of CEQA and other environmental regulatory requirements. Chad thrives on solving complex problems and providing his clients with the best professional advice, and is highly-motivated by interesting and challenging work.
Chad's project portfolio includes maritime port development, water/wastewater infrastructure, renewable energy and transmission, transportation infrastructure, schools, recreation and parks, habitat restoration, residential/ commercial/ industrial development, and master planning projects. In addition to serving as an instructor for UCSD Extension’s CEQA Certificate Program, he has instructed courses, workshops, and webinars on CEQA and NEPA through other university extension programs, educational seminars, professional organization conferences and workshops, and client-focused customized training programs.
Chad earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from Cal Poly Pomona, and a B.A. in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine, and he maintains an active and up-to-date Certification from the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners.
