Part 3.8REFINERY SAFETY

Section § 71275

Explanation

This section focuses on improving public and worker safety in California by enhancing oversight of refineries and boosting emergency preparedness. The California Environmental Protection Agency is tasked with coordinating efforts among various state and local agencies to manage risks from refinery operations across the state. These agencies include the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the State Air Resources Board, and others. Local and federal agencies may choose to participate. Additionally, the Agency is required to hold at least two public meetings each year in areas with refineries to update the public on safety measures and gather community feedback on related health and safety issues. These tasks are to be managed by existing agency personnel as part of their current responsibilities.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a) The California Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the following agencies, shall examine ways to improve public and worker safety through enhanced oversight of refineries and to strengthen emergency preparedness in anticipation of any future refinery incident, and shall facilitate coordination among these agencies to protect the public, fence line communities, and refinery workers from risks associated with refinery operations throughout the state:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(1) The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(2) The California Environmental Protection Agency.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(3) The State Air Resources Board.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(4) The Department of Toxic Substances Control.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(5) The State Water Resources Control Board.
(6)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(6) The Department of Industrial Relations.
(7)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(7) The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA).
(8)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(8) The State Department of Public Health.
(9)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(9) The Emergency Medical Services Authority.
(10)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(10) The Office of the State Fire Marshal.
(11)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(11) Certified unified program agencies in areas with refineries.
(12)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(12) Local air districts in areas with refineries.
(13)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(a)(13) The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(b) Local agencies and the United States Environmental Protection Agency may elect to participate in the efforts provided for in this section at their option.
(c)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 71275(c)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 71275(c)(1) The California Environmental Protection Agency shall convene at least two public meetings annually to provide members of the public with current information on refinery safety and to receive information from the public regarding health and safety concerns associated with refinery operations.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(c)(2) The California Environmental Protection Agency shall request representatives from each agency listed in subdivision (a) to attend the public meetings convened pursuant to this subdivision.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(c)(3) Meetings convened pursuant to this subdivision shall be held in geographically distinct locations in areas where a refinery is located.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 71275(d) The provisions of this section shall be carried out by agency personnel within the scope of their existing duties.
refinery safety emergency preparedness public safety worker safety refinery oversight coordination among agencies Cal-OSHA public meetings health concerns toxic substances control occupational safety fence line communities state agency collaboration local air districts United States Environmental Protection Agency
(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 590, Sec. 1. (AB 1649) Effective January 1, 2018. Note: Sections 71200 through 71271 are located in Division 36, which follows Section 71424.)