California Lawmakers Seek Tougher Rules for Industrial Facilities After Boyle Heights Fire
The proposal would require emergency contingency funds, tax-free settlements and higher fines after a fire left 7 million pounds of waste to clear.
- On Wednesday, Assemblymember Mark González and State Sen. María Elena Durazo announced legislative proposals to impose tougher penalties and requirements on cold storage facilities following the fire at the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights.
- The June 17 fire at the Lineage facility burned for eight days, causing noxious smoke and pest infestations that have tormented neighbors. The company has faced at least 19 Public Health violations and 20 public nuisance notices since the blaze.
- González proposed making disaster-related financial settlements tax-free, while Durazo's Senate Bill 716 would increase fine caps for public health violations to $50,000 for disaster-linked incidents, providing greater leverage against major corporations.
- While Lineage committed $3.3 million to the community, residents expressed skepticism regarding political promises. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently criticized the company's application for rebuilding permits as "a slap in the face" to families.
- With the deadline to introduce new legislation passed, González and Durazo plan to use "gut and amend" to insert proposals into existing bills during the final two weeks of the legislative session.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Two State Lawmakers Unveil Proposals in Response to Boyle Heights Fire
Two state legislators Wednesday announced plans to secure tougher penalties and additional measures to protect local communities from warehouse fires in response to the blaze at a Boyle Heights cold storage facility. Assemblyman Mark González, D-Los Angeles, seeks to prevent Los Angeles and Los Angeles County from issuing new building permits for cold storage facilities unless they maintain a contingency fund that can be used in states of emerg…
State bill proposed for potential future disasters like Boyle Heights warehouse fire and cleanup
The bill targets large industrial food-storage facilities, preventing new building permits unless they maintain a state-of-emergency contingency fund for things like food and housing assistance, air quality monitoring, environmental cleanup, and remediation of hazardous materials.
Hanford Sentinel
California lawmakers seek tougher rules for industrial facilities after Boyle Heights fire
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two state lawmakers from Los Angeles want tougher penalties for disasters caused by industrial companies after a massive fire in Boyle Heights left neighbors struggling with smoky air and the smell of rotting meat. Assembly member Mark…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
