California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 6 - Resources Agency
Chapter 3 - Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act
Article 20 - Definitions
Section 15384 - Substantial Evidence
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) "Substantial evidence" as used in these guidelines means enough relevant information and reasonable inferences from this information that a fair argument can be made to support a conclusion, even though other conclusions might also be reached. Whether a fair argument can be made that the project may have a significant effect on the environment is to be determined by examining the whole record before the lead agency. Argument, speculation, unsubstantiated opinion or narrative, evidence which is clearly erroneous or inaccurate, or evidence of social or economic impacts which do not contribute to or are not caused by physical impacts on the environment does not constitute substantial evidence.
(b) Substantial evidence shall include facts, reasonable assumptions predicated upon facts, and expert opinion supported by facts.
1. Amendment of section and NOTE filed 5-27-97; operative 5-27-97 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 97, No. 22).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending NOTE filed 10-6-2005 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2005, No. 40).
Note: Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21080, 21082.2, 21168 and 21168.5, Public Resources Code; No Oil, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles (1974) 13 Cal. 3d 68; Running Fence Corp. v. Superior Court (1975) 51 Cal. App. 3d 400; Friends of B Street v. City of Hayward (1980) 106 Cal. App. 3d 988.
