Charity Schiller and Sarah Owsowitz Join Governor Newsom’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation Advisory Group

Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner Charity Schiller and Of Counsel Sarah Owsowitz have joined the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) Advisory Group, which will provide legal input on the State’s Planning Guidelines Update Project. This project embraces updates to the State’s guidelines on General Plans, Specific Plans and Tribal Consultation collectively known as the LCI Planning Guidelines. This unique placement provides the opportunity for both Schiller and Owsowitz to contribute directly to the ideas and strategies that will influence future planning efforts, land use, and climate policy initiatives throughout California.

Schiller is a member of BBK’s CEQA and Environmental Law & Natural Resources practice groups and has extensive experience guiding public agencies and private developers through the complexities of the CEQA. Her work spans environmental review, project entitlements, climate action planning and litigation defense, giving her a deep understanding of how CEQA shapes land use and infrastructure across California. By bringing this perspective to the focus group, Charity hopes to contribute to discussions and recommendations that may assist LCI in reflecting the legal realities and practical challenges of advancing climate-conscious development. 

Owsowitz is a member of BBK’s CEQA and Environmental Law & Natural Resources practice groups as well, bringing years of hands-on experience with CEQA advice, litigation and legislative policy, making her a valuable voice on LCI’s CEQA focus group. Her work on regional plans, large-scale developments, water projects and projects with significant tribal cultural resource issues gives her a unique perspective on how CEQA operates at both the local and statewide level. Combined with her role advising on CEQA legislation and her long history of thought leadership in the field, Sarah is well-positioned to help LCI explore innovative approaches that balance land use planning, environmental protection, tribal consultation and climate resilience.

The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explores how communities can plan, grow and adapt in ways that address both land use needs and the challenges of climate change. To guide this work, LCI hosts focus groups that bring together community voices and experience, helping shape solutions that are practical, inclusive and forward-looking.

Learn more about LCI here.