PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An environmental group known as SAFER, or Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility, is suing the city of Palm Springs over their approval of the 9-story Nexus Hotel.

The hotel, which would also serve as a condominium near the Palm Springs Convention Center, was approved by the city council in November. Once constructed, it could be the city’s tallest building at nearly 100 feet.

Now, environmentalists say the city council’s approval violated the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, that requires state and local law agencies limit significant environmental harm.

Lawyers representing SAFER allege the city did not review the project through an Environmental Impact Report as mandated under CEQA, and therefore has not considered the development’s full impacts.

They say it could include increased carbon emissions from traffic, the threatening of special protected species on the land and air quality detriments from construction.

Opponents to the development have also argued it clashes with the aesthetics of Palm Springs and it’s mountain views. Environmentalists say if the height of the building were shorter, it would also lessen environmental impacts.

Tune in tonight at 10 and 11 p.m. for a full report on the lawsuit.