The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), enacted in 1970, stands as a landmark piece of legislation dedicated to safeguarding California’s environment; it requires state and local agencies to identify, analyze, and disclose the environmental impacts of proposed projects, while also seeking public input and exploring alternatives to reduce or mitigate those impacts. CEQA applies to proposed master plans and infrastructure projects, such as the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Master Plan, and it helps to ensure that development doesn’t come at the expense of the state’s natural and cultural resources.
Let’s think about how CEQA will influence the proposed Master Plan and airport development goals.
PSP Airport Master Plan and CEQA
PSP is a vital hub for the Coachella Valley, connecting the region to the world. With rising air passenger traffic and a vision to enhance service while supporting economic development, the City has identified the need for important upgrades. To comply with CEQA, the City will evaluate the potential impact of proposed master plan projects through the preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), which is already under way. Spanning an estimated 18 months, the PEIR timeline reflects the depth of analysis and engagement needed to assess environmental impacts thoroughly.
Here’s a breakdown of what the PEIR entails, including specific opportunities in which the public can provide input on the environmental review:
- Notice of Preparation: The process kicks off with a Notice of Preparation (NOP), signaling that an EIR is in development. The City’s NOP for the Master Plan was released for a 30-day public review period on March 27, 2025. The NOP outlines the project’s scope, location, and potential environmental effects, inviting public and agency input to shape the PEIR focus. You can access the NOP at palmspringsairportmasterplan.com or https://flypsp.com/business/document-library/ to review details about the forthcoming PEIR and provide comments during this initial comment period. A virtual public meeting will be held on April 15, 2025, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to discuss the forthcoming PEIR. Public comments will be recorded during the meeting or can be submitted in writing:
Virtual Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81490714183
Public Comment Period:
March 27, 2025, through April 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Written Comments to:
Nikki Gomez, Aviation Planner
3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 1
Palm Springs, CA 92262.
Email: [email protected]
- Analysis and Technical Reporting: Proposed developments can affect environmental resources including, but not limited to, wildlife habitats, cultural landmarks, air quality, and noise levels as they impact the environment. The airport has undertaken detailed studies on these and other topics to support a CEQA analysis, which will identify potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures.
- Draft PEIR: The airport will prepare and circulate a draft PEIR to consider the potential direct and indirect environmental effects of proposed master plan development. The PEIR will be circulated for a 45-day period, during which a public workshop will enable stakeholders to learn more and comment specifically on the environmental analysis.
- Final PEIR: After gathering public comments from these specific periods, the airport will revise the PEIR to incorporate feedback and address environmental concerns. The Final PEIR circulated for public review and then submitted to the City Council for review and certification. The City Council can only approve a proposed project following PEIR certification, making CEQA a critical step toward bringing the PSP Master Plan vision to life.
Notice of Determination
Once the PEIR is complete, mitigation measures are finalized, and approvals are secured, the CEQA process concludes with a Notice of Determination (NOD). This document spells out whether the project will significantly affect the environment.
Conclusion
CEQA isn’t just a requirement, it’s an opportunity. The CEQA process provides a framework to ensure that the City’s airport team thoroughly evaluates and discloses the potential environmental impacts of the Master Plan on the Coachella Valley’s unique resources. Events like our upcoming virtual public meeting for the NOP on April 15, 2025, will help the City to address environmental impacts thoughtfully during its journey toward Master Plan approval and implementation.
