Focus
Senate Republicans kill California’s ban on gas-powered cars
The New York Times – May 22
The Senate on Thursday blocked California’s landmark plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, setting up a legal battle that could shape the electric car market in the United States. The consequences of the Senate’s action will ripple across the country as 11 other states intended to follow California’s plan and stop selling new gas-powered cars by 2035. Together, those states account for about 40 percent of the U.S. auto market. The resolution now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it into law. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have promised to challenge the Senate vote and try to restore the ban. The Senate also voted to prevent California from requiring that half of all new trucks sold in the state be electric by 2035 and to stop the state from limiting emissions of nitrogen oxide from cars and trucks, which can form smog and contributes to respiratory problems like asthma. Trump is expected to sign those measures as well.
News
Board of Environmental Safety stops California toxic waste regulators from weakening hazardous waste rule
Associated Press - May 16
The California Board of Environmental Safety voted on May 14 to reject a proposal by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) that would weaken hazardous waste rules to allow local landfills to accept toxic dirt that currently goes to two specialized disposal sites in the Central Valley and other states. DTSC’s proposal prompted fierce opposition from environmental groups. DTSC sought to justify it on the ground that disposing more of the waste in-state would likely reduce costs and truck emissions.
Offshore oil operation near Santa Barbara resumes production after 10 years
Los Angeles Times – May 20
Almost 10 years after a massive oil spill fouled the Santa Barbara coastline and prompted the closure of several drilling platforms, Sable Offshore Corp. says it has resumed crude oil production in nearby federal waters. The company announced that it started extracting oil last week from one of three long-shuttered platforms, shocking environmental activists and some state and local officials. The announcement comes just one month after the California Coastal Commission ordered the company to stop work and levied an $18-million fine against Sable for failing to obtain necessary permits and reviews. Sable disputes the commission’s authority and insists that it has obtained all necessary permits for the work.
Lawmakers attack governor’s plan to streamline Delta tunnel
CalMatters – May 21
Fifteen California lawmakers from both parties are pushing back against Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to use the budget process to fast-track the Delta tunnel — a controversial, $20 billion plan to replumb the estuary and funnel more water south. With the clock ticking for the Legislature to pass a budget bill tackling the state’s $12 billion deficit, Newsom released a spending plan last week that would add sweeping changes to permitting, litigation, financing, and land acquisition issues aimed at speeding approval of the massive project. State legislators representing Delta counties responded in a letter last week, saying it would “change several, separate parts of state law to benefit only a portion of California, to the detriment of Californians north of the Delta.”
Atlas Metal recycling plant in Watts permanently closed after hazardous waste case
CBS News – May 20
Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. will permanently close its Watts recycling plant after its owners pleaded no contest to polluting a nearby school campus with hazardous materials. Part of their plea agreement also mandates that the company pay $1 million in restitution to the Los Angeles Unified School District, along with $150,000 in fines and penalties. Community members claimed the recycling facility exposed students at the neighboring Jordan High School to toxic chemicals. According to the Los Angeles Unified School District, lead and other metals are present on the campus at concentrations up to 75 times higher than what EPA defines as hazardous.
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