Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP

The California State Water Resources Control Board has announced an accelerated schedule for its long-awaited hearing on achieving Mono Lake's mandated 6,392-foot surface elevation. The process will begin in spring. The hearing will focus on restoring Mono Lake's ecological health, air quality, and internationally significant habitat, addressing decades of excessive diversions. https://lnkd.in/gtwBBdmq

A transition to clean energy is vital to combat climate change, and off-grid housing powered by distributed energy resources can play a significant role. However, outdated local codes in some California jurisdictions require connections to utility services, creating barriers for homeowners seeking to go fully off-grid. https://lnkd.in/gqrDwYGZ

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently issued a decision to accelerate energization—a step for the state’s clean energy transition. Advocates, including Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), call for a collaborative working group to establish streamlined energization processes, align clear standards with ambitious timelines, and track project progress comprehensively. https://lnkd.in/gqii2dyX

SB 1211 is now in effect, allowing up to 8 detached ADUs on multifamily properties, depending on the number of existing units. The law also prohibits local governments from requiring surface parking replacement when spaces are repurposed for ADUs. https://lnkd.in/gyKz6Q4w

SMW once again has been named a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed guide to lawyers and law firms in the U.S. The firm was previously named to this list in 2024, 2022, and 2020. Eight SMW attorneys were also named to the Best Lawyers in America 2025 list. https://lnkd.in/gSzh5PDJ

In a recent episode of EcoNews, Jen Kalt (Humboldt Waterkeeper), Alicia Hamann (Friends Of The Eel River), Colin Fiske (Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities), and Tom Wheeler (Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC)) come together to share the initiatives and progress that give them hope for the future of our planet. https://lnkd.in/gcEnsih6

In response to the anticipated changes at EPA under the Trump Administration, California has withdrawn its requests to the EPA for approval of stricter pollution limits on trucks, ferries, and locomotives. The state is instead exploring local legal strategies to advance its climate and air quality goals. https://lnkd.in/gUDevd2A

Catherine Engberg, her dog Eevee, and her kids enjoying a picnic at Point Molate Beach Park in Richmond. SMW client East Bay Regional Park District is on track to acquire the 80-acre Point Molate property, preserving it as open space and ensuring habitat protection and public access for generations to come. Congratulations to Catherine as she steps into the role of Managing Partner at Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger in 2025!

Sarah Hollinshead Sigman shared this photo of her dog Fern near the West Point Inn on Mt. Tam (with thanks to Andrew Schwartz for the consult on dog-friendly routes).

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has unveiled a conservation plan to protect western Joshua trees from threats such as climate change, wildfires, and development. The plan emphasizes land conservation to safeguard habitats, collaborative management with Native American tribes, and stricter development regulations. https://lnkd.in/g6QfezBn?