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Committee advances metal-shredder permitting bill after sharp divide between industry and environmental groups
Summary
SB 811, which would create a DTSC permitting program for metal shredders and carve out some activities from hazardous waste law, was moved to Appropriations or kept "on call" after extensive testimony from industry supporters and environmental and community opponents.
SB 811, described by the author as establishing a statutory framework for metal shredding facilities, advanced out of the committee (kept on call or moved to Appropriations during the hearing). Supporters argued the bill creates a clear, enforceable regulatory framework and preserves local authority and public engagement; opponents said it would exempt operations from the hazardous waste control law and weaken protections for frontline communities.
Scott Wetsch with the California State Pipe Trades Council said California’s ten metal shredding facilities provide critical recycling infrastructure and urged support of SB 811. Bob Hoffman, sponsor representing the California Metal Recyclers Coalition, told the committee the bill "sets a new high bar for metal shredders in California" and preserves local authority while improving transparency in permitting.
Environmental groups and community organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, San Francisco Baykeeper and Sierra Club, testified in strong opposition. Karen Chen (NRDC) said the bill "would exempt metal shredders from hazardous waste laws and put into place dangerously loose standards for managing toxic contamination throughout the state." Advocates argued DTSC and local CUPAs already have authority under the Hazardous Waste Control Law and that carving out the industry risks reduced inspections and enforcement.
Committee members asked technical questions about which processes are already regulated by DTSC and how the bill treats large facilities that perform chemical treatment versus smaller operations that ship waste offsite. The author and sponsor said the bill aims to resolve long-running litigation and provide standardized permits and public review for large facilities while allowing smaller operations to operate under existing practices.
The clerk took the roll for SB 8 11 and the chair signaled action to pass the bill (kept on call for absent members). The transcript records a close and contested hearing with clear policy and community stakes.
Next steps: SB 811 was advanced toward the Appropriations Committee or placed on call for absent-member votes; additional negotiations between industry, environmental groups and staff are expected.
