Senate Rules Committee advances Catherine Butler for DTSC director; members question Exide cleanup progress, lithium waste plan

The Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday advanced Catherine Butlerfor confirmation as director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, following her three-minute opening statement and a round of questions about the Exide battery plant cleanup, hazardous-waste handling capacity and disposal of end-of-life lithium batteries.

Butler told the committee she was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom and credited prior reforms at DTSC for recent improvements. "The Department of Toxic Substances Control, or DTSC as it is called, does have an extensive history, and it does serve a critical role in protecting California communities from environmental harm," she said. Butler said DTSC has worked to clear permit backlogs, maintain fiscal stability and improve public engagement.

Committee members focused their questions on a handful of high-profile and operational issues. Senator Susan Gonzales, whose…