FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT
Christian Filbrun, 916-319-2077, christian.filbrun@asm.ca.gov
Jill Hindenach, 202-494-6309, jhindenach@leadershipcounsel.org

SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) introduced AB 2170, a bill that would ensure all Californians have access to clean water and air and information about the environmental impacts of proposed heavy industrial projects in their neighborhoods. 

AB 2170 would ensure industrial projects with the most potential to harm vulnerable communities, such as landfills, nuclear plants, or chemical production, undergo environmental review and reduce their pollution.

“Environmental review makes projects better and saves Californians billions of dollars down the line,” said Assemblymember Boerner. “It is important that we learn from the costly mistakes of the past and protect our water, air, and health by allowing for common-sense review and access.” 

Failure to build safe industrial development has resulted in massive costs to taxpayers, including close to $750 million alone to clean up lead pollution from the Exide battery recycling plant in Los Angeles, and billions spent across the state to clean up forever-chemicals (PFAS) in drinking water and in healthcare costs.

The bill also mandates translation and public notice, so all Californians have access to information about projects that can impact their health and wellbeing.

The bill would result in industrial development that is safer for communities and workers by reducing the risk of exposure to cancer-causing chemical in drinking water and toxic air emissions, and facilitating public participation.

“Communities deserve to know about projects that can impact their health and wellbeing and have ample notice for opportunities to share their concerns. We applaud Assemblymember Boerner for championing this critical legislation, which would result in cleaner air and water, especially in California’s most vulnerable communities.”  – Asha Sharma, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability

“For far too long, families in communities like ours in Shafter have had to live with the impacts of pollution every day. We see it, we feel it, and we worry about what it means for our children’s health. Our community deserves clear and honest information about new industrial projects that could make things worse. No matter what language we speak, we should all have a real chance to ask questions, share our concerns, and be heard. That’s why I support AB 2170, because it helps make sure our voices matter and that our communities are protected so we can truly thrive.” – Anabel Marquez, Committee for a Better Shafter

“The placement of harmful industrial projects has long-term consequences for families’ health, stability, and opportunity especially in low-income communities of color that have been disproportionately targeted for this type of development. When these communities are exposed to pollution, it undermines their ability to thrive and reinforces longstanding inequities. AB 2170 is a critical step toward preventing that harm and ensuring that these communities can live in neighborhoods that support their well-being.” – Benjamin Henderson, Western Center on Law and Poverty

“We applaud Assemblymember Boerner for centering the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities with AB 2170.  The cynicism of presenting a false choice to these communities – that they can either have their homes or their health, but not both – is precisely what has led to the landscape we see today of toxic industries placed right near homes, schools, and parks.  Low-income communities of color deserve better.  AB 2170 helps redress this wrong by ensuring community members are heard when they say that they deserve to live in healthy neighborhoods free from pollution and the harms of toxic industrial use.”  – Rabeya Sen, California Environmental Justice Alliance