Environmental and Manufacturing Task Force Update

Dawn Koepke of McHugh Koepke & Associates, a government relations firm in Sacramento, was the featured speaker at the May 3rd Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force. Ms. Koepke has been working with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in the development of regulations following the 2015 legislation SB 673 (more information here), which required DTSC to alter its hazardous waste facilities permitting process.

SB 673 requires DTSC to consider vulnerable communities in permit decisions, consider minimum setback distances for certain areas (such as schools and hospitals), and establish criteria for a health risk assessment. Numerous industries who have or need these permits to operate are concerned about the implications of these new regulations. Due to these and other concerns, the DTSC will continue to develop its framework and will hold further workshops next fall.