How long is the minimum public review period for a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)?

The minimum public review period for a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is indeed 30 days. This duration is established by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to ensure that the public has sufficient time to review the contents of the EIR and provide feedback on its findings and proposed mitigations. The process is designed to enhance public participation, which is a critical component of environmental decision-making.

A 30-day period allows concerned individuals and stakeholders the opportunity to read the report, understand the potential environmental impacts of a project, and express their opinions or concerns during public meetings or in writing. This timeframe balances the need for adequate public engagement with the need to move projects forward in a timely manner, recognizing that longer review periods could unduly delay important developments.