Bill > SB234

This bill establishes a collaborative workgroup focused on addressing the risks of toxic heavy metals exposure during and after wildfires. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control to form a workgroup (upon legislative appropriation) that will consult with academic institutions, research experts, and organizations with experience in wildfire and public health. The workgroup's primary objectives include developing best practices and recommendations to help wildfire-impacted communities, first responders, and cleanup personnel avoid exposure to heavy metals, studying methods to mitigate and prevent such exposure, exploring environmental remediation techniques like bioremediation, and developing strategies for fire departments and agencies to minimize exposure risks. The bill recognizes the growing concern around toxic metal transformations during high-heat wildfires, particularly referencing a Stanford University study that found wildfires can convert natural soil elements into potentially cancer-causing substances like hexavalent chromium (chromium 6). The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is authorized to contract with universities and research institutions to support the workgroup's efforts, and the agencies are required to report their findings to the Legislature within three years of the workgroup's first meeting.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB234