Overview

• The State Board of Environmental Safety voted unanimously to remove a proposal from California's draft Hazardous Waste Management Plan that would have permitted municipal landfills to accept contaminated soil.
• The decision follows months of public opposition from environmental groups and residents concerned about toxic dust and groundwater contamination in vulnerable communities.
• California currently has only two state-certified hazardous waste facilities, which are nearing capacity, and ships nearly half of its hazardous waste out of state.
• The Department of Toxic Substances Control had argued the proposal could reduce waste transport costs and emissions but has signaled support for the board's decision.
• The board's vote comes as California faces increasing challenges from wildfire-driven hazardous waste and legacy pollution, with a final decision on the state's waste management plan expected this summer.