The Assembly Appropriations Committee meeting on August 20, 2025, spotlighted urgent calls for action on hazardous waste and toxic exposures, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect public health and environmental justice communities.

During the session, speakers highlighted the critical role of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in addressing these pressing issues. One advocate stressed the importance of moving beyond discussions, urging the DTSC to take bold actions to reduce hazardous waste at its source. This sentiment was echoed by Nancy Biermeyer from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, who expressed concerns about the slow progress of the safer consumer products program. She called for the department to leverage its authority under Senate Bill 502 to address harmful chemicals, particularly PFAS, which are known to pose significant health risks.

Biermeyer emphasized that while identifying five priority products per year is a step forward, it is not sufficient given the vast array of chemicals in consumer products. She urged legislators to take a more active role in regulating harmful substances, stating, "We don't need a crew of toxicologists to tell us that PFAS are bad for us."

Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the National Stewardship Action Council, also contributed to the discussion, advocating for a responsible circular economy and emphasizing the need for producer responsibility in managing household hazardous waste.

As public comments were invited, the committee expressed gratitude for the testimonies, aiming to conclude the session by noon. The discussions underscored a collective urgency for decisive action against toxic exposures, with advocates calling for collaboration between the DTSC and legislative bodies to ensure public health is prioritized. The meeting set the stage for potential future initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental safety and accountability.