Navigating Charted Waters: Port Development And Environmental Planning In The Era Of Sustainability

Ports are vitally important to the economies of our nation and the world. In addition to serving an important economic role, ports are uniquely positioned to undertake roles as good environmental stewards. This Article describes many examples of ports developing in ways that are sustainable and model environmental stewardship, without compromising efficiency or jobs, and demonstrates that the principles embodied in environmental planning statutes, such as the National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are compatible with, and can enhance, port economic and environmental sustainability. When the value of ports as environmental stewards is recognized, the goal of these environmental planning statutes, namely, to maximize protection of the environment in agency decision making, is enhanced