Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
@smwlaw.bsky.social
Since 1980 we have specialized in government, land use, renewable energy, and environmental law. We provide public agencies, non-profits, tribes, and community groups with the highest quality legal representation, offering an array of services.
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Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger Named to 2025 Best Law Firms List - Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
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. As in prev...
www.smwlaw.com
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 in 2024, 2022, and 2020. Eight SMW attorneys were also named to the Best Lawyers in America 2025 list.
www.smwlaw.com/2024/11/07/s...
The firm was previously named in 2024, 2022, and 2020. Eight SMW attorneys were also named to the Best Lawyers in America 2025 list.
www.smwlaw.com/2024/11/07/s...
The California Coastal Commission approved a permit allowing PG&E’s Diablo Canyon plant to operate through 2030, with major mitigation: a 4,500-acre conservation easement, 25 miles of public trails, and protections for Wild Cherry Canyon.
January 30, 2026 at 9:02 PM
The California Coastal Commission approved a permit allowing PG&E’s Diablo Canyon plant to operate through 2030, with major mitigation: a 4,500-acre conservation easement, 25 miles of public trails, and protections for Wild Cherry Canyon.
AB 263 is now law, extending emergency water protections for the Scott and Shasta River watersheds through Jan. 1, 2031, or until permanent rules are adopted. The measure provides regulatory stability for Siskiyou County while the state works toward a long-term solution.
January 28, 2026 at 9:01 PM
AB 263 is now law, extending emergency water protections for the Scott and Shasta River watersheds through Jan. 1, 2031, or until permanent rules are adopted. The measure provides regulatory stability for Siskiyou County while the state works toward a long-term solution.
In 2025, Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger promoted three attorneys to Partner: Caitlin Brown and Aaron Stanton (since 2017) and Vaneeta Chintamaneni (2023). Richard Taylor, Managing Partner from 2016–2024 and a 2025 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year,” has retired from the partnership and is now Of Counsel.
January 26, 2026 at 9:01 PM
In 2025, Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger promoted three attorneys to Partner: Caitlin Brown and Aaron Stanton (since 2017) and Vaneeta Chintamaneni (2023). Richard Taylor, Managing Partner from 2016–2024 and a 2025 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year,” has retired from the partnership and is now Of Counsel.
From NRDC: while the federal government rolled back significant environmental protections and exited international climate agreements in 2025, climate advocates secured vital victories in transit, accountability, and waste management
Yes, Climate Wins Are Still Happening! Let’s Keep It Up in 2026.
Despite the science denialism of federal leaders, on the ground, we’ve continued to make strides for cleaner air, threatened wildlife and wildlands, and community resilience.
www.nrdc.org
January 22, 2026 at 9:02 PM
From NRDC: while the federal government rolled back significant environmental protections and exited international climate agreements in 2025, climate advocates secured vital victories in transit, accountability, and waste management
SMW is moving to a new office space in the financial district of San Francisco.
We are pleased to learn that Best Bookstore, a local independent bookseller, has officially opened its doors just a short walk from our front door.
We look forward to exploring more of our new neighborhood!
We are pleased to learn that Best Bookstore, a local independent bookseller, has officially opened its doors just a short walk from our front door.
We look forward to exploring more of our new neighborhood!
January 20, 2026 at 9:01 PM
SMW is moving to a new office space in the financial district of San Francisco.
We are pleased to learn that Best Bookstore, a local independent bookseller, has officially opened its doors just a short walk from our front door.
We look forward to exploring more of our new neighborhood!
We are pleased to learn that Best Bookstore, a local independent bookseller, has officially opened its doors just a short walk from our front door.
We look forward to exploring more of our new neighborhood!
Professor James Salzman notes in Maven’s Notebook that the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Superfund greatly boosted environmental health while the U.S. economy grew fivefold, challenging “job killer” claims.
THE CONVERSATION: The US used to be really dirty – environmental cleanup laws have made a huge difference
By: James Salzman, University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Los Angeles Growing up in the 1970s, I took for granted the trash piles along the highway, tires washed up on…
mavensnotebook.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Professor James Salzman notes in Maven’s Notebook that the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Superfund greatly boosted environmental health while the U.S. economy grew fivefold, challenging “job killer” claims.
Local firefighters stopped by our office to collect the toys SMW gathered for the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program—the nation’s oldest, serving 40,000 children each year. Thank you to everyone who helped fill the toy barrel.
January 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Local firefighters stopped by our office to collect the toys SMW gathered for the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program—the nation’s oldest, serving 40,000 children each year. Thank you to everyone who helped fill the toy barrel.
Have you read the 2025 CEQA Works coffee table book? Published in May, it provides a concise and accessible overview of the California Environmental Quality Act and its role in protecting communities, public health, and the environment.
CEQA Resources - CEQA Works
2023 Report: CEQA by the Numbers: Myths & FactsCEQA-By-the-Numbers
ceqaworks.org
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Have you read the 2025 CEQA Works coffee table book? Published in May, it provides a concise and accessible overview of the California Environmental Quality Act and its role in protecting communities, public health, and the environment.
A Department of Water Resources study finds that stopping land subsidence is the top priority for protecting water conveyance and long-term reliability in the San Joaquin Valley, after decades of groundwater decline reduced canal capacity.
REPORT: New DWR conveyance study finds groundwater stabilization key to protecting San Joaquin Valley water supplies
Sinking Ground Puts San Joaquin Valley Water Systems at Risk By the Department of Water Resources The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a comprehensive new assessment of water…
mavensnotebook.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:02 PM
A Department of Water Resources study finds that stopping land subsidence is the top priority for protecting water conveyance and long-term reliability in the San Joaquin Valley, after decades of groundwater decline reduced canal capacity.
The Trust for Public Land, with Canal Alliance, Marin County, and the City of San Rafael, acquired the 1.65-acre former boatyard at 620 Canal Street for $3.35 million, advancing plans for a new waterfront park and community gateway.
Trust for Public Land Secures Future Canal Neighborhood Park in San Rafael, Unlocking Decades-Long Community Vision
The $3.35 Million Acquisition Marks Major Milestone in a Decades-long Effort Led by Canal Community Residents San Francisco, CA -- Trust for Public Land
www.tpl.org
December 29, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Trust for Public Land, with Canal Alliance, Marin County, and the City of San Rafael, acquired the 1.65-acre former boatyard at 620 Canal Street for $3.35 million, advancing plans for a new waterfront park and community gateway.
Our team assists local governments in drafting comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, & state legislation to ensure sustainable development. We also navigate complex applications & defend legal challenges, drawing on decades of experience.
Link for more info:
Link for more info:
City Attorney & General Counsel Services Archives - Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
415-552-7272
www.smwlaw.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Our team assists local governments in drafting comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, & state legislation to ensure sustainable development. We also navigate complex applications & defend legal challenges, drawing on decades of experience.
Link for more info:
Link for more info:
For the first eight months of 2025, utility-scale solar generated 40.3 Bkwh, nearly closing the gap with natural gas, which generated 45.5 Bkwh. An 18% decrease from 2020 levels, this is the largest year-over-year drop in natural gas generation.
Natural gas sees ‘largest year-over-year drop’ in California as solar surges
For the first eight months of this year, utility-scale solar generation totaled 40.3 billion kilowatt hours in California, and natural gas accounted for 45.5 BkWh.
www.utilitydive.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:01 PM
For the first eight months of 2025, utility-scale solar generated 40.3 Bkwh, nearly closing the gap with natural gas, which generated 45.5 Bkwh. An 18% decrease from 2020 levels, this is the largest year-over-year drop in natural gas generation.
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners held a special meeting that drew strong attention to a proposed LA–Mono Lake water replenishment plan, signaling it remains a key issue for DWP staff and city leadership.
Natural gas sees ‘largest year-over-year drop’ in California as solar surges
For the first eight months of this year, utility-scale solar generation totaled 40.3 billion kilowatt hours in California, and natural gas accounted for 45.5 BkWh.
www.utilitydive.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners held a special meeting that drew strong attention to a proposed LA–Mono Lake water replenishment plan, signaling it remains a key issue for DWP staff and city leadership.
A federal judge ruled that the California Department of Parks and Recreation is violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing off-road vehicles at Oceano Dunes, citing harm to federally protected snowy plovers without a required permit.
Judge slams California for allowing off-road vehicles at Oceano Dunes
Without an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Parks can't allow dune buggies and other off-road vehicles kill and injure the threatened snowy plover.
courthousenews.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
A federal judge ruled that the California Department of Parks and Recreation is violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing off-road vehicles at Oceano Dunes, citing harm to federally protected snowy plovers without a required permit.
The California Public Utilities Commission released a proposed decision designating 142 priority neighborhood decarbonization zones under SB 1221 and rejected gas utilities’ push for near-universal designations to protect meaningful community engagement.
The CPUC Makes Good on Neighborhood Electrification - Legal Planet
Gas utilities tried to delay priority zones for decarbonization. The CPUC rejected that approach and has selected priority neighborhoods.
legal-planet.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The California Public Utilities Commission released a proposed decision designating 142 priority neighborhood decarbonization zones under SB 1221 and rejected gas utilities’ push for near-universal designations to protect meaningful community engagement.
SMW Of Counsel Tamara Galanter shared news of a new addition to her family:
Maple, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Although a bit sleep deprived, the parents are completely overjoyed by the newest member of their family.
Maple, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Although a bit sleep deprived, the parents are completely overjoyed by the newest member of their family.
December 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
SMW Of Counsel Tamara Galanter shared news of a new addition to her family:
Maple, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Although a bit sleep deprived, the parents are completely overjoyed by the newest member of their family.
Maple, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Although a bit sleep deprived, the parents are completely overjoyed by the newest member of their family.
SMW helps local governments draft comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances, implement state laws, and navigate complex land-use applications. We also defend legal challenges and support community development projects.
City Attorney & General Counsel Services Archives - Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
415-552-7272
www.smwlaw.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
SMW helps local governments draft comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances, implement state laws, and navigate complex land-use applications. We also defend legal challenges and support community development projects.
IREC launched three free HeatSpring courses to help local governments and utilities speed up EV charger approvals, zoning, and coordination.
irecusa.org/blog/irec- news/new-online-courses-help-local-governments-and-utilities-accelerate-ev-charger-deployment/
irecusa.org/blog/irec- news/new-online-courses-help-local-governments-and-utilities-accelerate-ev-charger-deployment/
IREC Archives
Meet members of the IREC team and the paths they took throughout their career.
irecusa.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
IREC launched three free HeatSpring courses to help local governments and utilities speed up EV charger approvals, zoning, and coordination.
irecusa.org/blog/irec- news/new-online-courses-help-local-governments-and-utilities-accelerate-ev-charger-deployment/
irecusa.org/blog/irec- news/new-online-courses-help-local-governments-and-utilities-accelerate-ev-charger-deployment/
SB 427 extends the Habitat Conservation Fund’s $30 million annual funding for conservation and restoration projects statewide until 2035.
Bill Text - SB-427 Habitat Conservation Fund.
SB 427 Habitat Conservation Fund.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
December 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
SB 427 extends the Habitat Conservation Fund’s $30 million annual funding for conservation and restoration projects statewide until 2035.
The Trump administration may target state climate and energy policies, but experts note big legal barriers. Federal law gives states broad power to set tougher emissions standards and oversee power generation.
legal-planet.org/2025/ 10/23/the-legal-barricades-protecting-state-climate-policy/
legal-planet.org/2025/ 10/23/the-legal-barricades-protecting-state-climate-policy/
2025 - Legal Planet
Environmental Law and Climate Policy Insights
legal-planet.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The Trump administration may target state climate and energy policies, but experts note big legal barriers. Federal law gives states broad power to set tougher emissions standards and oversee power generation.
legal-planet.org/2025/ 10/23/the-legal-barricades-protecting-state-climate-policy/
legal-planet.org/2025/ 10/23/the-legal-barricades-protecting-state-climate-policy/
The SMW East Bay Hikers group managed to catch the sunset in Tilden Park!
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The SMW East Bay Hikers group managed to catch the sunset in Tilden Park!
Local groups, including All Hands All Lands and a Karuk Cultural Fire Practitioner, completed prescribed and cultural burns near Butler Creek days before the Butler Fire arrived — the first time an IMT allowed a community-led response during active suppression.
Three Burns - The 2025 Butler Wildfire
In order to protect homes during the this summer’s Butler Fire on the Salmon River in Siskiyou County, local organizations with All Hands All Lands program…
vimeo.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Local groups, including All Hands All Lands and a Karuk Cultural Fire Practitioner, completed prescribed and cultural burns near Butler Creek days before the Butler Fire arrived — the first time an IMT allowed a community-led response during active suppression.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Halloween costume contest! Top vote-getters included Sara C and Catherine as SMW special agents of the crown jewels heist; Yeji as a Nudibranch (Chromodoris lochi); and Ava Thompson as Ava, the temp. Here we all are (minus Julie, as T. Ocellus alien sheep).
November 26, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Halloween costume contest! Top vote-getters included Sara C and Catherine as SMW special agents of the crown jewels heist; Yeji as a Nudibranch (Chromodoris lochi); and Ava Thompson as Ava, the temp. Here we all are (minus Julie, as T. Ocellus alien sheep).
SB 392 has passed, creating the East Bay Hills Conservation Program. It gives East Bay Regional Park District new tools to protect 30,000+ acres, boost wildfire resilience, preserve biodiversity, and improve public access.
www.ebparks.org/about-us/wha...
www.ebparks.org/about-us/wha...
November 24, 2025 at 9:02 PM
SB 392 has passed, creating the East Bay Hills Conservation Program. It gives East Bay Regional Park District new tools to protect 30,000+ acres, boost wildfire resilience, preserve biodiversity, and improve public access.
www.ebparks.org/about-us/wha...
www.ebparks.org/about-us/wha...
AB 43 has been signed into law, making permanent California’s authority to protect rivers removed from the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers System and eliminating the 2025 sunset date originally set by AB 2975.
Bill Text - AB-43 Wild and scenic rivers.
AB 43 Wild and scenic rivers.
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
November 21, 2025 at 9:01 PM
AB 43 has been signed into law, making permanent California’s authority to protect rivers removed from the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers System and eliminating the 2025 sunset date originally set by AB 2975.