Laws California Law California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) — Specifies when and how state and local agencies must conduct analysis of environmental impacts of development. California Water Code Federal Law Clean Water Act — The basic structure for controlling discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. Endangered Species Act National Environmental Policy Act — Establishes goals for protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the environment, and provides a process for implementing those goals within federal agencies. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System — Mandates rainwater treatment devices on certain residential sites to reduce pollutant flow into streams.