News Release C01-05

1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-9670 FAX (916) 445-5563

For Immediate Release (C01-05) Contact: William L. Rukeyser, Cal/EPA 916-324-9670, Cell: 916-715-5852 July 17, 2001

Cal/EPA Celebrates its First Ten Years

SACRAMENTO--The California Environmental Protection Agency (Ca/EPA) celebrates the completion of its first ten years. Portions of the agency are responsible for safeguarding the state’s air and water quality, keeping it from being inundated by trash, protecting citizens from toxics and pesticides and evaluating environmental health hazards.

When Cal/EPA was created on July 17, 1991, plans and dreams dating back decades were realized. Several governors had advocated a coordinated approach to enhancing the states environment as early as the 1970s.

On Cal/EPA’s anniversary, Governor Gray Davis said, “California has always been a national pioneer when it comes to the environment. Cal/EPA has led the way with environmental programs that reduce individual environmental risks posed by air and water pollution, solid and hazardous waste and pesticide application.

“Cal/EPA is a young agency. However, the components of Cal/EPA have a distinguished and pioneering history. The boards, departments and offices have been on the forefront in the protection of citizens, often breaking ground with nationwide firsts.”

Governor Davis' budget includes funding for several key initiatives to protect the environment, including $36 million to help clean up California beaches, $68 million to invest in clean air programs, and Proposition 12 and 13 funds to protect and restore river parkways.

Cal/EPA Secretary Winston H. Hickox said, “Among the major priorities of the agency is making sure that our efforts are coordinated so that initiatives to improve air quality (for instance) also pay off in land and water protection.

“We are also committed to making sure that we use the provisions of state and federal laws to help improve environmental quality while we solve California’s electricity situation. We know that we can simultaneously increase power production and enhance our air.”

The six units of Cal/EPA are:

• Air Resources Board
• Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Department of Toxic Substances Control
• Integrated Waste Management Board
• Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• State Water Resources Control Board

A recently prepared history of the agency and its boards, departments and office is available at: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/about/History/default.htm

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The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see the Web site, www.flexyourpower.ca.gov

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