California's New Waste Plan Sparks Fury.
California's environmental oversight board has approved a new state plan designed to reduce hazardous waste, drawing significant criticism from environmental groups. They worry the plan’s recommendations, such as reviewing federal exemptions and state standards, could lead to deregulation and expose communities to increased toxic risks. While the plan aims to minimize waste generation, critics argue it lacks concrete reduction targets and might achieve its goals by simply redefining what counts as hazardous. The approving board acknowledged these concerns and vowed to closely track proposals to prevent any harmful rollbacks of California’s strict environmental protocols.
California's new hazardous waste management plan, mandated by a 2021 state law, has been approved by the Board of Environmental Safety, but not without significant controversy. Environmental groups are deeply worried that elements of the plan could open the door to deregulation, potentially weakening the state’s already robust protections against toxic materials. This isn't just about paperwork; it's about protecting the places we live and the air we breathe from dangerous pollutants.
Critics, like Andrea Loera from Earthjustice, argue that the plan paves the way for 'more loopholes for industry,' stressing that simply excluding hazardous waste from certain laws 'does not make hazardous waste dangers magically disappear.' A key concern is the suggestion to review federal exemptions for recyclable hazardous materials and a broader reassessment of California's current strict standards. Because California’s regulations are tougher than federal ones, disposing of hazardous waste here is more expensive, sometimes leading industries to send it to other states with looser rules. This raises fears that communities could be put at greater risk, much like what happened with the lead-contaminated homes near a former battery recycling plant in Southeast Los Angeles County.
DTSC Director Katie Butler has pushed back against accusations of deregulation, emphasizing that the plan's core goal is to protect the health and safety of Californians, and that evaluations are legally required. Despite these assurances, many environmental organizations feel the plan lacks concrete targets or dates for reducing hazardous waste. The Board of Environmental Safety, which approved the plan with a 4-1 vote, acknowledged the widespread unease. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw stated that their mandate is to ensure the plan does not lead to less protection for public health. The board has committed to discussing ways to oversee these 'contentious' recommendations in public meetings scheduled for January 14-15 in Sacramento, promising to keep a close eye on any proposed changes.