July 1972 Department of Airports selects San Francisco firm to conduct environmental impact study in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 1970 Airport and Airways Development Act. August 1972 Airport commissioners resume land acquisition at Palmdale and authorize eminent domain proceedings. The Sierra Club, Palmdale Homeowners Association and seven local individuals file suit against the Department of Airports, seeking to halt property acquisition until environmental impact statement is completed. Suit based on California Environmental Quality Act of 1970. October 1972 Superior Court denies Sierra Club request for injunction to halt land acquisition.
Commission resumes buying land after being stopped by preliminary injunction two weeks earlier.
Draft of environmental impact report is submitted to airport commissioners by San Francisco firm. Study shows need for new major air transportation facility in the Los Angeles region and names Palmdale as the most favorable site because it offers the least dislocation of homes and businesses, the highest availability of vacant land, least airspace conflicts, initial available ground access, least major air and noise pollution potential, and visible community and institutional support. January 1976 To make use of land acquired, the department appoints an agricultural land developer and joins with the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency and the Palmdale Water District in funding an environmental study for the proposed Palmdale Eastside Agricultural Project to provide additional water service to the area. Investigation continues into the viability of certain crops, such as sesame seeds. January 1977 Golden West Airlines begins service at Palmdale.