Ruskin Steps in to Fill the Gap Created by Bush Administration
Assemblymember Ira Ruskin's Assembly Bill 833 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on October 15th. With his signature on AB 833, Governor Schwarzenegger continues to join legislators in opposing President Bush on key environmental issues, when the federal government has failed to protect the public and the environment.
"With the Governor's signature on my legislation, California becomes the only state in the nation to require toxic facilities to report about many dangerous chemicals at the same level required before the irresponsible federal rollback," Ruskin said.
In late 2006, the Bush Administration rolled back reporting requirements for its TRI program by raising the annual reporting threshold from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds.
AB 833 requires DTSC fill the gap in reporting created by the Bush rollback. Department of Toxic Substances Control will report chemical emissions from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds and post the reports in the public domain via the DTSC website.
"Bush's action is irresponsible and astonishing. Toxics are a growing concern and people have a right to know about the emission of dangerous chemicals. Hiding information from the people is reprehensible. This continues California's record of going above and beyond what the federal government does to protect our citizens," Ruskin added.
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Ruskin's Water Efficiency Bill is Signed
Assemblymember Ira Ruskin's AB 662 was also signed into law by the Governor, giving the CA Energy Commission the authority to regulate energy and water efficiency for the first time. Amidst a drought, a federal order to shut down the San Joaquin Delta water pumps, and a special session on the state's water infrastructure, Ruskin's legislation directing the California Energy Commission to develop water efficiency regulations for appliances. is a major step to protect the state's water resources.
"Linking water efficiency and energy is a real breakthrough. Let's face it, there's a lot of room for improvement in efficiency – for example, restaurant dishwashers and other commercial appliances. While much progress has been made recently on water conservation, water is still wasted through old, inefficient appliances and practices. Water efficiency is the fastest, cheapest and cleanest strategy to meet California's future water needs. AB 662 does that without burdening the state's budget," Assemblymember Ruskin said.
The Energy Commission reports that as much as 19 percent of statewide electric energy load and 32 percent of gas load relates to water. There is virtually unanimous agreement that the State needs to implement measures to conserve water in order to maintain a robust agricultural sector, a strong economy and a healthy environment.
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