Assembly Passes Key Environmental Legislation

SACRAMENTO — The California Assembly July 1 approved Senate Bill 674 The Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act by Majority Leader Gonzalez (D – Long Beach). The bill will create a statewide standard for air monitoring at refineries to ensure that toxic pollutants are measured, and that best practices and technologies are used to protect the health and wellbeing of the surrounding fenceline communities. Next, it is headed to the Senate for a concurrence vote, then to the Governor’s desk for approval.

In addition to creating a statewide air monitoring standard, the bill mandates refineries to provide timely public notifications. This would include emails and text messages to be sent promptly whenever toxic emissions that could harm people’s health exceed threshold levels. The bill also requires quarterly reports, readily accessible real-time data from air monitors, third-party audits, and a root-cause analysis within 24 hours of any emissions exceedance incident. Furthermore, both the root-cause analysis and corrective action information must be made public within 14 days.

The Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act reflects years of investigative work, research, and grassroots advocacy led by environmental justice community leaders and organizations. Many of these advocates live in pollution-burdened communities, experiencing firsthand the health impacts on themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors. While this legislation will not address all the environmental issues burdening these communities, it is robust and comprehensive, designed to ensure transparency from refineries regarding the toxic pollution they emit, and to safeguard public health.