CalEPA chief urges investment in methane detection, Exide cleanup and ZEV incentives as federal rollbacks bite

CalEPA Secretary Garcia urged the Assembly that California must step up as federal leadership in environmental protection retreats, highlighting methane reduction, community air and water protections, and the Exide cleanup among the administration's budget priorities. "I feel extraordinarily privileged to lead an agency where the staff are dedicated to creating real tangible benefits for Californians," Garcia said in opening remarks.

Garcia outlined specific program areas the agency is pitching in the governor's budget: expanding landfill organics diversion and community composting grants, strengthening methane detection and leak response in the oil and gas and waste sectors, and continuing the Department of Toxic Substances Control's Exide residential cleanup work, which would expand remediation to additional impacted properties. He told legislators the State Water Board has provided more than $11,000,000,000 in assistance for drinking water, wastewater and groundwater projects and described implementation of Prop 4 grants to speed water infrastructure awards this year.

On transportation, Garcia framed a new governor's proposal as a targeted, time‑limited incentive to accelerate zero‑emission vehicle uptake amid litigation over federal emission standards. The proposal would offer a point‑of‑sale incentive matched dollar‑for‑dollar by original equipment manufacturers for first‑time ZEV buyers, designed to increase adoption during periods of high gas prices.

During questions, members pressed Garcia on enforcement and the "polluter‑pays" principle after recent mill‑fee increases followed by proposed vacancy eliminations. Garcia said the administration remains committed to enforcing accountability and pursuing cost recovery but acknowledged that some statutory adjustments may be needed to strengthen penalties and deterrence.

The secretary also highlighted CalEPA's work on community air protection, water system compliance through the SAFER program, and oversight of more than 6,000 residential properties affected by lead contamination tied to the former Exide Vernon facility. He closed by asking subcommittee members to hold the agencies accountable as the budget hearings proceed.

The subcommittee did not take votes; members said they would follow up in later panels on specific budget change proposals and staffing questions.