§ 78870. — 78870. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 257, Sec. 2.)

Whenever the director determines that there may be an imminent or substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare or to the environment, because of a release or a threatened release of a hazardous substance, the director may do any or all of the following:
(a)
Order any responsible party to take or pay for appropriate removal or remedial action necessary to protect the public health and safety and the environment. No order under this section shall be made to an owner of real property solely on the basis of that ownership as specified in Sections 101(35) and 107(b) of the federal act (42 U.S.C. Secs. 9601(35) and 9607(b)). The director shall give the responsible party an opportunity to assert all defenses to the order.
(b)
Take or contract for any necessary removal or remedial action.
(c)
Request the Attorney General to secure relief as may be necessary from the responsible party to abate the danger or threat. The superior court of the county in which the threat or danger occurs shall have jurisdiction to grant the relief the public interest and equities of the case may require to protect public health and welfare and the environment. Upon a showing by the department that a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance has occurred or is occurring, and that there may be an imminent or substantial endangerment to the public health and safety or to the environment, the court may grant a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 78660.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 257, Sec. 2. (AB 2293) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 4 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 257.