The state Supreme Court has agreed to review an appellate court ruling that the San Diego Association of Government's 40-year transportation plan did not meet requirements for reducing greenhouse emissions, the agency announced Thursday.
SANDAG's 2050 regional transportation plan, which called for $214 billion in transportation investments, was finalized in 2011.
However, the Cleveland National Forest Foundation and other environmental groups challenged its environmental impact report in court. Environmentalists also contend the plan prioritizes freeway expansion over public transportation.
In November, a three-judge appellate panel split 2-1 against SANDAG's Regional Transportation Plan, with the majority saying the environmental impact report needed more analysis.
"The Supreme Court's decision to grant review is a key step forward to help clarify state law on greenhouse gas emissions," SANDAG Chairman Jack Dale said. "The appellate court decision left agencies throughout the state with questions on what standards to apply. We are hopeful the court will help resolve the confusion."
The state Supreme Court announced on Wednesday it would hear arguments on whether the transportation plan's environmental impact report must include an analysis of its consistency with the California Environmental Quality Act's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, according to SANDAG.
