California Environmental News

Regulatory Improvement Initiative For California

What Cal/EPA Heard at the Statewide Meetings:
Some of the public comments heard at the statewide meetings were concerns that the CUPA program will not be successfully implemented unless Cal/EPA exercises its review and oversight to ensure CUPAs are cost effective, consistent, and coordinated; and not unless Cal/EPA consolidates all environmental permitting and compliance responsibilities under CUPAs.

It was also mentioned that some California employers are concerned that too many CUPAs will be established, resulting in "Balkanization" and that consistency across CUPAs will not occur. Others are concerned with local capability to deliver the delegated programs through  a single point-of-contact; that CUPA costs may be excessive; and that surveillance and enforcement delivered by CUPAs may be exercised differently and cause compliance inequities for regulated entities with facilities in different jurisdictions. The cost of state oversight and the quality of training and technical assistance to CUPAs are also of concern.

Since the statewide meetings were held, Cal/EPA has:
1. Identified regulations for repeal/modification in response to the Governor Wilson's Executive Order scheduled for completion in July 1996.
2. Transmitted all remaining responses to Cal/EPA's Regulatory Reform Task Forces that were still outstanding, and adopted a permit applicant's Bill of Rights for Cal/EPA.
3. Developed action plans to work with U.S. EPA to reduce duplication and promote California perspectives in environmental protection.
4. Completed the SB1082 requirement to eliminate overlapping jurisdiction over water issues at hazardous waste facilities.
5. Used the best available science to review the requirement to pump and treat contamination from Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks to provide public participation in consideration of change in policy.

Regulatory Reform:
Has been a high priority for Cal/EPA since its creation in 1991. Cal/EPA continues to seek improvement initiatives which address the concerns of our stakeholders and the needs of the environment. By working together, Cal/EPA will ensure that all Californians benefit from a healthy environment and economy.

Contact a California environmental lawyer today and get a free consultation!

	Did You Know?
	SARA is the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (1986) Federal law reauthorizing and expanding the jurisdiction of CERCLA. Signed into law October 17, 1986. Title III of SARA is known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right- to-Know Act of 1986. It is a revision and extension of CERCLA.SARA is intended to encourage and support local and state emergency planning efforts. It provides citizens and local governments with information about potential chemical hazards in their communities. SARA calls for facilities that store hazardous materials to provide officials and citizens with data on the types (flammables, corrosives, etc.); amounts on hand (daily, yearly); and their specific locations.