About EAD

History & Institutional Mandate

Documenting the foundational mission, regulatory codes, and structural consolidation of the LA Environmental Affairs Department.

Department History & Legal Framework

The City of Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) was originally established under Ordinance No. 168,767 (incorporated into Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 22.300) to recommend environmental policies, monitor progress, and coordinate citywide environmental actions.

EAD was tasked with acting as a central clearinghouse to evaluate environmental regulations from state and federal bodies, ensuring the City of Los Angeles maintained full compliance with the Clean Air Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

2010 Administrative Consolidation

In June 2010, the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor approved the consolidation of EAD's duties to optimize fiscal efficiency and improve service delivery. This restructuring reallocated the department's program focus areas as follows:

  • Solid Waste, Stormwater, and Wastewater: Integrated directly into LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), creating a unified agency for waste resources and watershed protection.
  • Environmental Reviews & Policy Coordination: Absorbed into Los Angeles City Planning and the Bureau of Engineering to align zoning, environmental studies, and CEQA approvals.
  • Climate Actions and Clean Energy: Collaborative stewardship between the Mayor’s Office, LADWP, and LASAN.

EAD Advisory Board (Historical Overview)

To maintain high scientific rigor, EAD operated under guidance from the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board, comprised of respected environmental scientists, urban planning experts, and public health officials appointed by the Mayor. The advisory council evaluated policies on:

  1. Localized environmental impact assessments.
  2. Incentive pathways for urban green building practices.
  3. Industrial zone monitoring near residential tracts (Environmental Justice).