California Environmental Board Approves Hazardous Waste Plan Amid Criticism

California's environmental oversight board has approved a state hazardous waste management plan despite criticism from environmental groups concerned about potential deregulation. According to the Los Angeles Times, the plan was mandated by a 2021 state law requiring the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, or DTSC, to publish a plan every three years aimed at minimizing hazardous waste generation, disposal, and incineration.

The initial draft released in March 2023 faced backlash for its controversial recommendation to consider allowing more contaminated soil to be disposed of at nonhazardous landfills. After four public meetings, a revised plan led to a vote on November 17, 2023, where the Board of Environmental Safety, a five-member committee overseeing DTSC, voted four to one in favor of the plan, acknowledging the concerns expressed by environmentalists.

Board chair Andrew Rakestraw emphasized the board's commitment to monitoring the plan closely to prevent harmful deregulation. Environmental advocates, including Andrea Loera from Earthjustice, have labeled the plan as deregulatory, arguing it paves the way for loopholes that could undermine California's stringent hazardous waste protections.

The plan proposes to evaluate federal exemptions for hazardous materials that can be recycled, which raises alarms among environmentalists who fear it could lead to a rollback of California's high standards.

DTSC officials, including director Katie Butler, defended the plan, stating it aims to protect health, safety, and the environment. However, critics argue the plan lacks specific targets or timelines for reducing hazardous waste, leaving the state's roadmap unclear.

They also express concern that redefining what constitutes hazardous waste could compromise public health and safety. The plan is intended to address the need for minimizing hazardous waste at the source and exploring recycling options for emerging hazardous waste streams like lithium-ion batteries.

A critical aspect of the plan is its evaluation of how effective the state's testing processes are concerning toxic substances leaking from contaminated waste in landfills. Environmental groups worry that the plan's lack of specificity may result in insufficient measures to protect communities already burdened by pollution.

As the discussions continue, board members have committed to holding public meetings in early 2024 to further address these contentious recommendations and ensure transparency in the implementation of the plan.

The ongoing tension underscores the challenge of balancing industrial interests with environmental safety in California's regulatory landscape.