Ms. Rubalcava is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office. She advises clients planning major industrial development projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with a particular emphasis on facilities with significant air and toxic emissions and water quality issues. She also has been involved in legal actions challenging the sufficiency of CEQA documents such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), as well as the failure of regulatory agencies to prepare such documents. Ms. Rubalcava’s work includes major infrastructure projects, power plants, solid waste disposal facilities, petroleum pipelines, gasoline refineries, oil and gas production facilities, marine terminals and manufacturing facilities. These projects are often highly controversial and present unusually challenging permitting and compliance issues, including environmental justice concerns. Sharon also represents existing businesses and trade associations on environmental compliance issues specializing in air and water quality regulations.
- Represented the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority on environmental issues associated with the construction of the Alameda Corridor project, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the United States. Key issues involved the handling of contaminated soils and groundwater discharges during construction.
- Represented the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority in the preparation of a combined Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for a bridge replacement and combined elevated truck expressway at the Port of Los Angeles, including ongoing legal challenges to the environmental documents.
- Obtained approvals from the Port of Los Angeles for the first crude oil marine terminal to be built in Southern California in over 35 years and successfully defended a challenge to the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the project. Obtained all necessary air quality permits for the project from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
- Representing a major oil company in the permitting of a new oil and gas production facility in Southern California.
- Representing a major oil company in the environmental review and permitting of a large-scale carbon sequestration project for the purpose of enhanced oil recovery.
- Numerous representations before the California State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards in permitting NPDES and waste discharge requirements and enforcement matters, including compliance with storm water regulations.
- Assisted landfill clients in obtaining solid waste facilities permits from CalRecycle (formerly the California Integrated Waste Management Board).
- Represented major waste industry facilities (landfills, transfer facilities and material recycling and recovery facilities) in permitting, compliance and enforcement matters relating to odor nuisance complaints.
- Represents a major entertainment industry trade association advising on environmental matters affecting the industry.
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September 18, 2012
In the Press
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June 7, 2012
In the Press
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February 28, 2012
In the Press
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September 12, 2011
In the Press
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August 4, 2011
In the Press
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July 5, 2011
In the Press
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August 30, 2010
In the Press
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June 11, 2010
In the Press
Past Events
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January 17-18, 2012
Seminar
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October 12-15, 2011
Seminar
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April 4, 2011
Seminar
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January 13-14, 2011
Seminar
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June 23, 2009
Seminar
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, Environmental Section
- Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the CEQA Reform Task Force