Focus
EPA imposes stricter standards to protect children from exposure to lead paint
Associated Press – October 24
Two weeks after setting a nationwide deadline for removal of lead pipes, the Biden administration is imposing strict new limits on dust from lead-based paint in older homes and child-care facilities. A final rule announced last Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on lead dust on floors and window sills in pre-1978 residences and child-care facilities to levels so low they cannot be detected. The new rule, which takes effect early next year, also would reduce what level is allowed when a lead-abatement contractor finishes work on a property where lead has been identified as a problem.
News
Los Angeles County sues Pepsi and Coca-Cola over plastic bottles
Associated Press – October 31
Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, claiming that the companies have misled consumers by promoting their plastic bottles as recyclable and environmentally friendly, while downplaying the environmental harm caused by plastic waste. The lawsuit alleges that the companies' packaging contributes significantly to local pollution and that they rely on misleading marketing to suggest that recycling and other waste management efforts are adequate to address these issues.
California regulators impose record penalty on Bay Area refinery after 'egregious' air quality violations
San Francisco Chronicle - October 31
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced on Thursday that Valero's Benicia refinery has been fined nearly $82 million by California regulators for 16 years of excessive emissions of cancer-causing chemicals. The violations, occurring from 2003 to 2019, were not reported by Valero, despite the refinery's awareness of the issue. As part of the settlement, Valero will revamp its equipment to curb emissions and enhance its training programs. The penalty underscores the state's focus on holding the regulated community accountable and protecting air quality in nearby communities.
Walmart agrees to pay $7.5 million to settle California lawsuit over disposal of hazardous waste
ABC News - October 23
Walmart has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by California officials that alleged the retail giant illegally dumped batteries, aerosol cans of insecticide, toxic cleaning supplies, electronic waste, latex paints, and other hazardous waste in municipal landfills throughout the state. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the settlement on October 22, saying the company will also be required to hire an independent, third-party auditor to conduct three waste audits each year at its facilities throughout California during the next four years.
San Diego to pay $700K for environmental violations at police gun range
CBS8 – October 29
The city of San Diego has agreed to pay $700,000 in fines to the County's Air Pollution Control District for environmental violations at the police gun range in South San Diego. According to an October 24 settlement agreement, the city owned up to failing to install and operate "outdoor bullet traps" at the police range on Federal Boulevard. Neglecting to do so resulted in lead vapor and dust from the spent casings seeping into the soil and air, potentially impacting local neighborhoods.
Port of San Diego to get $58.6M from EPA for zero-emission infrastructure
The San Diego Union-Tribune – October 29
The Port of San Diego will receive $58.6 million in federal funds to support its transition to zero-emission infrastructure as part of a broader $3 billion initiative under the Biden Administration's Clean Ports Program. This funding, created through the Inflation Reduction Act, is aimed at reducing pollution by enabling ports to deploy zero-emission equipment and supporting related infrastructure like electric vehicle chargers. The Port of San Diego has already invested at least $125 million to meet its Maritime Clean Air Strategy to transition all cargo handling equipment to zero-emissions by 2030.
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