Air Quality
Streetsblog LA
DTSC Issues Eight Violations Against Exide after Inspection of Shuttered Facilities
A press release sent out by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) this morning states that the DTSC has issued eight violations of state hazardous waste laws against embattled Vernon lead-acid battery recycler Exide for violations discovered during recent facility inspections it conducted with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
January 28, 2015
Exposed: Oil Industry’s Astroturf Tactics Against CA Cap-and-Trade
It's no surprise that the oil industry is fighting California's cap-and-trade program. But it is enlightening to see the strategy laid out in a leaked PowerPoint presentation [PDF].
December 1, 2014
Exide Settlement with DTSC Limits (For Now)* Homes that Can Be Tested for Lead, County Supervisors Explore Legal Options
Good news, good people of Maywood, Boyle Heights, and East L.A. who live within the limited assessment areas (see one, above)! The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) wants you to know that, per a Stipulation and Order settlement reached on November 6 with embattled Vernon-based lead-acid battery recycling plant Exide, if Exide has contaminated your yard with lead, it can be cleaned up at no cost to you! (emphasis theirs)
November 20, 2014
The DOGGR Days of Summer: DOGGR Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fracking Regulations
It's that time of year again.
July 9, 2014
Exide’s Third Application for Permit to Handle Hazardous Waste Found Deficient
Just after I got word yesterday that the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) had determined that Exide Technologies' third application for a formal permit to handle hazardous waste at their lead-acid battery recycling facility in Vernon was deficient, an email popped into my inbox from State Senator Ricardo Lara's office.
June 18, 2014
Exide Cited for String of Lead Emissions Violations by EPA
I receive my fair share of press releases regarding environmental happenings and community events, but few are more morbidly amusing than Exide Technologies' efforts to paint itself as the good guy every time it is slammed with a massive violation.
May 23, 2014
Some Thoughts on Near Roadway Air Pollution and L.A.’s Future
I attended a forum event yesterday, entitled "The Collision of Best Intentions: Public Health, Smart Growth, and Land Use Planning." Speakers focused on "NRAP" - an acronym I wasn't familiar with. NRAP stands for Near Roadway Air Pollution. It's the study of pollution risks near freeways and other high-volume roads.
April 10, 2014
“I’m a Teacher, I’m Pregnant…I’m Worried”: Residents Fume Over Lead Contamination of Soil in their Neighborhoods
"If you don't shut it down, we're going to shut you down!" shouted a woman dressed in hazmat gear (above, with skull on her back).
March 20, 2014
Sen. Steinberg Proposes Carbon Tax on Gas Instead of Cap-and-Trade
CA Senator Darrell Steinberg proposed a change yesterday to California's nascent cap-and-trade program that would replace next year's cap on fuel emissions with a per-gallon carbon tax. Steinberg called it a “broader, more stable, and more flexible” way to reduce emissions from fuels than cap-and-trade.
February 21, 2014
Vernon Battery Recycling Plant Sues to Overturn New Air Quality Rule
Exide Technologies – the embattled battery recycling facility in Vernon -- has been given a lot of breaks over the years, but apparently they feel they haven't had it easy enough.
February 11, 2014