'Deregulatory' state plan for reducing waste sparks criticism

Strategies for handling hazardous materials see pushback from environmental groups.

- TONY BRISCOE

CALIFORNIA has only two hazardous waste landfills, and disposal there is significantly: REED SAXON Associated Press more expensive.

A California environmental oversight board approved a state plan outlining strategies to safely reduce hazardous waste - despite sharp criticism from environmental groups that say several aspects of the plan could invite deregulation.

A 2021 state law directed the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, or DTSC, to publish a plan every three years, outlining the state's approach to minimize the generation, disposal and incineration of hazardous waste. In March, the state agency released a draft of the first-ever hazardous waste management plan, drawing opposition for a recommendation to consider allowing more contaminated soil to be dumped at nonhazardous landfills.

Eight months later, after four public meetings, a revised plan was discussed during a hearing in mid-November at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento. Many environmentalists remained wary, noting the plan still recommends reviewing federal exemptions for hazardous materials that can be recycled and a broader reassessment of California's standards.

Their fear is that this could lead the state to roll back its protocols widely considered among the strictest in the country.

"We find this plan to be extremely deregulatory and paving a path for DTSC to adopt more loopholes for industry," said Andrea Loera, an attorney with San Francisco-based nonprofit Earthjustice.