News Release: State and Federal EPAs Join on Fifteen Reform Projects

For Immediate Release (C-60-95)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
October 23, 1995

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

United States Environmental Protection Agency
REGION IX
75 Hawthorne St
San Francisco, CA  94105
(415) 744-1702

SACRAMENTO -- Under an agreement signed this week between Cal/EPA and US EPA, the two environmental agencies will cooperate on 15 issues to further the regulatory reform efforts underway at both agencies.

"Governor Wilson's direction to achieve California's high environmental standards using a flexible, least-cost process is driving our regulatory reform efforts.  We are delighted to have the cooperation of US EPA in areas where we share  common goals and perspectives," California Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock said.

"Working with Cal/EPA, we believe that we can continue California's tradition of strong environmental protection while developing more common sense, cost-effective approaches that make it easier for businesses and communities to meet environmental standards," said Felicia Marcus, U.S. EPA regional administrator.

The memorandum of agreement is the result of an August 24, 1995 meeting between senior officials from US EPA Region IX and Cal/EPA where regulatory reform efforts and "harmonization" between the agencies were discussed.  The document identifies 15 issues to be pursued by joint working groups from both agencies. Workgroup Prospectuses have been developed to provide common direction to the staff responsible for each issue.  A senior level staff member from each agency has been assigned as the lead for each working group.

The 15 issues include: Tiered and Standardized Permitting; Permit Oversight; One Stop Centers; SB 1299 Pilot Project; Enforcement Oversight; Self Audit Policies; Equipment Certification and Technology; Risk Assessment; Revision of Delegation Agreements; Storm water Delegation; Air Market Trading Systems; RCRA Subtitle D; Hazardous Waste Program Reforms; Grant Flexibility; and Pollution Prevention. 

"The public expects government agencies to work together to develop approaches that make both environmental and economic sense for communities.  We are very pleased to be coordinating our joint efforts towards that vision," Marcus said.

"California is leading the nation in many of these critical reform areas.  We are quite pleased that US EPA will join us in advancing California's environmental progress," Strock said.

Copies of the memorandum and the workgroup prospectuses can be obtained by calling (916) 324-9670.                      

1995 Releases | Current Releases | Archived Press Releases