Senate Approves Creation of State Environmental Agency

Legislation to create a California Environmental Protection Agency has been approved by the Senate, and the Democratic author says he intends to continue to negotiate with Republican Gov. Pete Wilson, who has a rival proposal.

The Cal/EPA bill (SB 51) by Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) was approved on a 25-7 upper house vote. It now goes to the Assembly.

The Air Resources Board, the Water Resources Control Board, and the Integrated Waste Management Board would be included in the new agency. Also to be included are a new Department of Toxic Substance Control, a new Office of Pollution Prevention and a new Office of Regulations and Standards.

A secretary of environmental protection appointed by the governor would oversee the agency.

“While we have not reached agreement with the Administration on several critical issues,” Torres said, “I can report that we are very close.”

GOVERNOR

Vetoed a bill (AB 592) by Assemblyman Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles) to give illegal aliens the right to declare state residency for the purpose of paying reduced tuition fees at public colleges and universities. In his veto message, the governor said such a legal residency claim would be self-contradictory.

Signed into law a bill (SB 100) by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) to require local legislative bodies--cities, counties and school districts--to allow time for public comment during meetings.

Signed into law a bill (AB 33) by Assemblyman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) to specifically prohibit pet stores from knowingly selling sick or diseased puppies that need hospitalization or surgery at the time of sale.

Signed into law a bill (AB 577) by Assemblywoman Doris Allen (R-Cypress) to require mobile home park managers to disclose in writing the name, address and telephone number of the park owner upon request by a tenant.

ASSEMBLY Floor Action

Child Support: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 47-22 vote a bill (AB 1394) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) to prohibit the issuance or renewal of business and professional licenses of people who are behind in court-ordered child support payments.

Gangs: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 72-3 vote a bill (AB 1866) by Assemblyman Xavier Becerra (D-Monterey Park) to increase prison penalties by two, three or four years for gang crimes committed on or near school campuses.

Gasoline: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 41-30 vote a bill (AB 1849) by Assemblyman Mike Gotch (D-San Diego) to require service stations to post signs warning consumers to check their automobile owner manuals to determine the best grade of gasoline for their cars.

SENATE

Floor Action

Women in Prison: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 23-8 vote a resolution (SCR 33) by Sen. Dan McCorquodale (D-San Jose) asking the governor to create a commission to look into ways to improve conditions for incarcerated nonviolent female offenders.

Capital Fact

California has 13 national parks and monuments within its borders.