(Sacramento, CA) Majority Whip of the California State Assembly, Miguel Santiago (D-Downtown Los Angeles) commends Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s commitment to expedite funding for testing and cleanup around the Exide battery recycling plant.
"I applaud the announcement by Governor Brown earlier today; this action demonstrates true leadership on this issue,” said Miguel Santiago, Majority Whip of the California State Assembly. “For far too long, our communities’ concerns regarding Exide have been neglected. This additional funding for testing and cleanup of heavy metal contamination is a significant step toward fully resolving this appalling situation.”
Throughout his short tenure in the State Assembly, Mr. Santiago has worked with all affected agencies and neighborhoods to spearhead the creation of a comprehensive stakeholder working group. The group has met regularly in the past year and has examined a number of topics including, but not limited to, the status of cleanup, ongoing monitoring of contamination, and assessments of community health. Earlier this year, Assemblymember Santiago also issued a request to Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey to investigate any criminal conduct on the part of Exide in this matter.
“I look forward to working with my Los Angeles-area colleagues and the Governor in the coming months to solidify details regarding this funding and accompanying efforts.”
See Governor Brown’s full announcement here.
Assemblymember Miguel Santiago is the Majority Whip of the California State Assembly and sits on the Assembly’s Health Committee. He represents the 53rd District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Vernon.
CONTACT: Jackie.Koenig@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2053