California Assembly Bill AB719

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/17
• Refer: 3/23/17
• Report Pass: 3/27/17
• Refer: 3/28/17
• Report Pass: 4/17/17
• Refer: 4/18/17
• Refer: 4/20/17
• Refer: 4/24/17
• Failed: 2/1/18

Caption

Underground storage tanks: Expedited Claim Pilot Project.

Impact

The legislative action is set to alter several components of the existing underground storage tank maintenance fee law and enhance accountability through requirement extensions for fee submissions in cases of natural disasters. The board will also be able to extend deadlines for submitting claims or fee payments for specific cases, thus providing financial relief to affected parties during adverse events. This extension could lead to improved outcomes for environmental cleanup efforts by allowing more time for claimants to gather necessary reports and documentation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 719 focuses on amending the existing laws regulating underground storage tanks, specifically under the Barry Keene Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Trust Fund Act of 1989. The bill aims to enhance the cleanup process by establishing an Expedited Claim Pilot Project designed to improve claim processing procedures while reducing the cost and time required for site cleanups. The legislation mandates that the State Water Resources Control Board set up the pilot project and requires the creation of an Expedited Claim Account within the existing cleanup fund, from which a significant portion of funding is to be allocated for claims related to unauthorized releases of hazardous materials from underground storage tanks.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 719 seems supportive, primarily from environmental advocates who view the expedited processes as necessary to enhance environmental safety and quicker remediation of contaminated sites. However, some concerns remain regarding the oversight of the expedited program and its potential implications for regulatory compliance, with opposing voices calling for a more cautious approach to ensure that all cleanup efforts maintain high safety standards and effective monitoring is established.

Contention

Key points of contention include reflections on the efficiency and feasibility of the expedited claim processes within broader regulatory frameworks. Critics argue that while the intentions of AB 719 are commendable in streamlining operations, the quality of environmental oversight might be compromised in favor of speedier administrative processes. Moreover, the potential for misuse of funding and insufficient safeguarding measures during expedited cleanups remains a topic for debate.