Senate Environmental Quality Committee to Hold Hearing on Deficiencies in California’s Enforcement of Hazardous Waste Laws
Oversight Hearing was Prompted by Growing Concern About Risks to Public
WHAT: The California Senate Environmental Quality Committee, chaired by Sen. Jerry Hill, will hold an oversight hearing Wednesday to hear testimony on steps that can be taken to strengthen the Department of Toxic Substance Control’s enforcement of laws governing hazardous waste. In the past year, public concern has been raised about deficiencies in the department’s hazardous waste management program and whether Californians are sufficiently protected from associated risks. Expected to testify are department officials, including its director, Debbie Raphael.
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WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: California State Capitol, Room 3191
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CONTACT: Aurelio Rojas 916-747-3199 cell; Rachel Wagoner 916-651-4108
BACKGROUND: In California, more than 100,000 privately and publicly owned facilities generate more two million tons of hazardous waste per year. Hazardous waste is generated by a range of small and large businesses, from dry cleaners and automobile shops to chemical manufacturers and oil refineries.
"We have a responsibility to oversee this department and to make sure they’re protecting the public," said state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo/Santa Clara counties.
The Department of Toxic Substance Control has been asked to address:
· What issues have been found within the program where improvement is needed?
· What has DTSC done to begin to address those issues?
· What are the short- and long-term plans to strengthen this program to ensure adequate protection of public health and the environment?
· What is DTSC going to do to prevent future problems with this program?
· In specific instances, what changes are DTSC making that illustrate its progress?
· Are there statutory changes that could further strengthen California’s management of hazardous waste?
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Nate Solov
Office of Senator Jerry Hill
916-651-4013