Newsom Vetoes Bill Aimed at Strengthening Air Monitoring Rules Near Refineries

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Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday vetoed a bill that sought to strengthen air pollution monitoring in fence-line zones surrounding oil refineries, drawing criticism from environmental advocates and legislators who championed the measure.

The bill, SB 674, introduced by State Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez, aimed to update air monitoring protocols for fence-line zones—areas marking the perimeter of oil refineries—and expand these requirements to other facilities producing products like biofuels, lubricants, and petrochemicals. The legislation would have mandated third-party audits, quarterly reports, and prompt root cause analyses following any incidents.

Governor Newsom, in his veto message, expressed his support for protecting communities from air pollution but argued that local air quality management districts were already implementing necessary actions. He also cited financial concerns, pointing to the state's $44.9 billion budget shortfall for fiscal 2025, which he said would make it difficult to fund the bill’s mandates. "There is no state funding identified or available in the state budget to support these efforts," Newsom wrote.

Senator Gonzalez described the veto as "a devastating blow to the years of hard work and advocacy by communities affected by refinery air pollution." She emphasized the need for improved air monitoring in fence-line communities and criticized the difficulty in establishing a system that provides transparency and information about toxic chemicals released into neighborhoods. "Our communities demand and deserve stronger protections," Gonzalez said.

The bill was seen by its supporters as a way to establish a consistent statewide air monitoring standard that would ensure best practices and help prevent dangerous outcomes in areas near refineries. Oscar Espino-Padron, a senior attorney with Earthjustice, called the veto "a missed opportunity to enact meaningful change that could have saved lives and improved public health."

Newsom’s decision to veto the bill reflects the ongoing tension between environmental protection efforts and fiscal constraints in California. As the state grapples with budget challenges, the fate of measures like SB 674 remains uncertain, leaving fence-line communities without the enhanced monitoring they have long sought.

While disappointed by the outcome, Gonzalez vowed to continue the fight for stronger protections, underscoring the urgency of the issue for communities living near refineries. The debate over air quality monitoring in California is likely to continue, as advocates push for further action to safeguard public health.