Garden Grove chemical emergency became a central argument in debate over environmental review
Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 954, legislation that would have narrowed California’s environmental-review exemption for certain advanced manufacturing projects.
Supporters argued the change was necessary to restore environmental and public-health safeguards around potentially hazardous industrial facilities.
State Sen. Catherine Blakespear pointed to February’s emergency at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, which prompted a large evacuation, as an example of the potential risks.
Newsom said in his veto message that the legislation would undermine California’s recent effort to streamline development and advanced manufacturing.
The decision leaves the existing CEQA manufacturing exemptions in place.
Sources
Governor’s Office; California Legislature; Sen. Catherine Blakespear
