Author | Lightnews

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · 3d

Read our letter: DTSC makes a series of irrational and unsupported assumptions to claim this would increase protection of public health and the environment & fails to consider significant risks to public health and the environment from the exemption.

earthjustice.sharefile.com/d-s50390d079...

19 organizations state wide join a letter against DTSC's proposed manifest exemption rule

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · 3d

‼️"[DTSC says it] does not have a list of qualifying facilities and hazardous waste generators have no obligation to notify the department if they take advantage of the new rule."

This is what deregulation looks like. What could go wrong, right? 🔥

calmatters.org/environment/... @calmatters.org

Why a small change in paperwork is generating a big fight over hazardous waste in California

California regulators keep tabs on hazardous waste, kind of like how consumers track packages -- even on a short journey. What happens if regulators require less tracking?

calmatters.org

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Aug 21

So honored to speak before the Joint Oversight Hearing for the Department of Toxic Substances Control & to spend some time with allies in the fight from PSR-LA!

⭐ tl;dr--Communities need immediate and decisive action from DTSC & legislative oversight is critical.⭐

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · May 14

Join us in saying loud and clear:

❌ DTSC Board–Send the Plan back.❌

We demand a plan to reduce creation of hazardous waste. DTSC's proposed Plan just dumps hazardous waste in communities!

#DTSC #UseYourAuthority

dtsc.ca.gov/hazardous-wa...

invitation to speak out at May 15 DTSC Board meeting to protect frontline communities from risks of exposures to hazardous waste.

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · May 14

ICYMI: This is an important moment for hazardous waste management in CA. The discussion around this "Plan" will be critical for protecting front-line communities and the environment.

The "Plan" as written is not even close to what CA needs. needs.

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 24

Not everything that is bad comes from DC.

California is developing a plan about hazardous waste management--and it's definitely heading in the wrong direction.

The "plan" is to abandon us by redefining what the state calls hazardous. Its cynical and harmful.

www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...

California is about to make it easier to dump toxic waste in your neighborhood. Here’s what to do about it

An upcoming policy shift could mean contaminated soil landing in everyday landfills near homes, schools and playgrounds.

www.sfchronicle.com

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 24

Not everything that is bad comes from DC.

California is developing a plan about hazardous waste management--and it's definitely heading in the wrong direction.

The "plan" is to abandon us by redefining what the state calls hazardous. Its cynical and harmful.

www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...

California is about to make it easier to dump toxic waste in your neighborhood. Here’s what to do about it

An upcoming policy shift could mean contaminated soil landing in everyday landfills near homes, schools and playgrounds.

www.sfchronicle.com

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 3

A profound point.

We all can make choices. Sure, you can't do everything-but all of us can do something.

For example, @californiaepa.bsky.social could take meaningful community-centered action on hazardous waste management in CA.

That, too, would make the world a better place.

#SpeakTruthToPower

A Resister @postapocwriter.bsky.social · Apr 2

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 2

There is always a way to #SpeakTruthtoPower.

Find your way and don't back down.

(I can't lie, @sifill.bsky.social, I didn't have "buying bonds issued by Princeton" on my Save Democracy bingo card.)

Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · Apr 2

Yes. Figure out how to survive rather than bend the knee.

jon ben-menachem @jbenmenachem.com · Apr 2

Princeton has announced that it is considering selling approximately $320 million of taxable bonds. The bonds are a way for the University to raise short-term funds. The major credit-rating agencies rate University bonds AAA, the highest level of creditworthiness.

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 1

YES, @jrmorber.bsky.social--expand our influence!

This solution better, in part, because putting borders on our concern can be isolating. Expanding our influence requires us to work with others.

Don't be fooled--we have power; refuse to give it away.

Focus & #speaktruthtopower

Dr. Jenny Morber @jrmorber.bsky.social · Apr 1

A friend told me the other day that we feel anxious and helpless when our scope of concern extends beyond our scope of influence.

She suggested putting borders on our concern.

I think a better solution is to expand our influence.

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Apr 1

A most amazing data geek (said with ♥️)!

Fare well, #Kornacki -- maybe I'll need to care about sports data? 🤔

Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · Apr 1

Steve Kornacki is leaving MSNBC for a new deal with NBC News and NBC Sports.

The khaki-wearing data analyst has a new deal that gives him the option to pursue projects on other networks and media platforms.

Steve Kornacki exits MSNBC for new deal with NBC News and NBC Sports

The khaki-wearing data analyst has a new deal that gives him the option to pursue projects on other networks and media platforms.

www.latimes.com

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 31

💯Dr. Martin delivers a masterclass in moving beyond political nonsense and trite spectacle.

Dr. Martin takes a principled position based on facts, grounded in human decency and a commitment to inclusive values.

Speaking truth to power is the only way forward.

PEIPolitical 🇨🇦 @peipolitical.bsky.social · Mar 31

Canadian physician, Dr. Danielle Martin owns the Americans!
#cdnpoli

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Reposted by AJMeszaros

PEIPolitical 🇨🇦 @peipolitical.bsky.social · Mar 31

Canadian physician, Dr. Danielle Martin owns the Americans!
#cdnpoli

180 1.3K 3.6K

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 27

There's a lot going on right now--and not only at the federal level. Frontline community leaders in CA are fighting to protect themselves, their communities, and our environment.

Join us--stand with communities demanding change and pushing against the status quo!
earthjustice.org/job/one-year...

One-Year Project Attorney, Community Partnerships Program

Earthjustice’s Community Partnerships Program is seeking a One-Year Project Attorney for additional support as the team anticipates a very active docket and as a team member transitions back from leav...

earthjustice.org

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 26

It's when one is in a "tough spot" that what they truly value becomes clear.

Some choose to stand for what is just & right. And fight for it.

Others choose to stand for access to power & privilege. And capitulate for it.

Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · Mar 25

It’s comforting for some lawyers to lament the “tough spot” Trump has put some law firms in. But I choose to remember what civil rights lawyers endured, and the integrity & courage they showed despite being considerably more vulnerable that well-resourced law firms being bullied by Trump.

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 25

ICYMI: Stopping this facility 👇should be an easy call. But, there is a serious accountability crisis in CA's hazardous waste program. Facility operators openly break the law, but get a new permit from the state anyway. @californiaepa.bsky.social
publichealthwatch.org/2024/10/23/l...

Regulators Found Dozens of Violations at a California Lead Smelter. Now They're Offering a New Permit. Here’s Why. - Public Health Watch

Part 3 in a series on California's only lead battery recycling facility. Residents have complained about the smelter for years.

publichealthwatch.org

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 19

Literally 🔥

@mollypeterson.bsky.social provides a breath-taking description of how systemic failures in CA's hazardous waste management program works with forces arrayed to protect bad actors to harm real people.

This system broken & the harms are real.

publichealthwatch.org/2025/03/18/c...

California Falls Short in Enforcing Regulations for the Metal Shredding Industry - Public Health Watch

After decades of lax oversight, new efforts are underway to protect communities from toxic emissions without putting the industry out of business.

publichealthwatch.org

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 18

There will be two more "hearings" on the draft Plan. One on April 24 one on May 15.

bes.dtsc.ca.gov

bes.dtsc.ca.gov

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 18

Do you feel like CA's doing a great job managing hazardous waste?

We'll be reviewing the draft plan and sharing highlights and thoughts.

This is important folks.

dtsc.ca.gov/hazardous-wa...

dtsc.ca.gov

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 18

4:56 on Friday: CA's hazardous waste agency released its Draft Hazardous Waste Management Plan, claiming its "a comprehensive planning guide to protect [CA] communities from environmental harm"

1st "hearing"-Thursday's Board meeting.
No, not much prep time.
No, not cool.
Very On Brand, tho.

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 13

So proud to spend two days in Sacramento with Clean Air Coalition of North Whittier and Avocado Heights & Neighbors Against Phibro Tech talking about how to ensure California provides proper and rigorous oversight of hazardous waste facilities.

7 smiling social justice activists posing before a sign.

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 12

😱Problem-solving does not have to mean capitulation.

This kind of short-term thinking and corner-cutting is terribly, tragically, and obviously wrong.

Instead of a race to the bottom, we have to raise the floor as we address the intersection of climate and hazardous waste management.

Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · Mar 12

California environmental regulators are considering rolling back the state's hazardous waste disposal rules, potentially permitting some municipal landfills to accept more contaminated soil from heavily polluted areas.

California regulators want to weaken hazardous waste disposal rules

California environmental regulators are considering rolling back the state's hazardous waste disposal rules, potentially permitting some municipal landfills to accept more contaminated soil from heavily polluted areas.

www.latimes.com

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AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 12

Looks like Governor Newsom appointed a new chair for the Department of Toxic Substance Control's Board of Environmental Safety.

A climate negotiator? I wonder what that means.🤔

Welcome Mr. Rakestraw. Here's to protecting health & the environment from hazardous waste! 🥂

AJMeszaros @ajmeszaros.bsky.social · Mar 10

Some things don't change. Like, corporations ensuring environmental laws don't protect people & regulatory agencies making promises of change that never come.

What was clear 2877 days ago(‼️) remains clear today. CA has a serious hazardous waste management problem.
www.kqed.org/news/1135949...

Is California’s Toxic Waste Regulator Letting Oversight Slide? | KQED

Critics accuse the state's Department of Toxic Substances Control of being indifferent to the public, cozy with polluters and slow in enforcing regulations.

www.kqed.org