While some have been enjoying the return of baseball, albeit without fans in the stands, the Oakland A’s are moving forward with their game plan for a new stadium in the Port of Oakland. However, relations with their prospective neighbors are off to a rocky start. In March, stadium opponents led off by filing suit against the state and city of Oakland arguing the project is not eligible for an expedited CEQA review and litigation schedule. On Aug. 4, the A’s hit back, by filing suit against the California Department of Substances Control in an attempt to force the agency to take action against a neighbor of the stadium project and co-plaintiff in the March lawsuit, Schnitzer Steel. Citing Schnitzer Steel’s poor environmental record, the A’s argue that DTSC is required to regulate the facility under the state’s hazardous waste control law. With no apology for the puns, further play by play on these contests are provided below.

Originally published on the Daily Journal - August 20, 2020.