CalEPA Spotlight

Environmental Justice Initiative Addresses Pollution, Public Health Concerns in Stockton

Historically segregated neighborhoods in the city of Stockton were the focus of CalEPA’s latest community-led environmental justice initiative. Our multi-agency task force conducted more than 200 inspections, addressing illegal dumping, air pollution near schools, drinking water issues and industrial pollution. Learn about the results in our Stockton Initiative StoryMap.

News & Updates 

The Public is Advised to NOT Flush Disinfecting Wipes, Paper Towels Down Toilet – Throw Them Away Instead 

While the State Water Board and other public agencies encourage Californians to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations to clean surfaces with disinfecting wipes to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is important to discard those items in the trash, not the toilet. (3/17/20)

CalEPA is Accepting Applications for Environmental Justice Grants

The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program is open to community-based nonprofit groups and federally recognized tribal governments for support of environmental justice-related projects across California. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 17. Read the press release. (1/21/20)

State Agencies Release Draft Water Resilience Portfolio

State agencies released a draft water resilience portfolio with a suite of recommended actions to help California cope with more extreme droughts and floods, rising temperatures, declining fish populations, aging infrastructure and other challenges. Read the press release. (1/3/20)

State Water Board Approves Plan to Reduce Nitrate Contamination in Central Valley Groundwater and Provide Replacement Drinking Water

The State Water Resources Control Board approved an ambitious, long-term plan to address the buildup of salt and nitrates in Central Valley groundwater basins and surface water, and ensure delivery of clean drinking water to disadvantaged communities until impaired aquifers are restored. (10/16/19)

Agreement Reached to End Sale of Chlorpyrifos in California by February 2020

CalEPA announced that virtually all use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in California will end next year following an agreement between the Department of Pesticide Regulation and pesticide manufacturers to withdraw their products. Read the press release.  (10/9/19)

Environmental Justice Task Force Issues Report on its Imperial County Initiative

Imperial County was the focus of the latest initiative of the Environmental Justice Task Force, which coordinates compliance and enforcement work in areas of California that are disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. The Imperial County initiative was the first in a rural setting and with a county-wide emphasis. Read more in the Imperial County Initiative Report. (10/9/19)