Vernon, California – Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality, released the following statement after the U.S. EPA proposed to add Exide Technologies’ former site in Vernon to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).

“Vernon and its surrounding communities have been burdened for decades due to the toxic contamination of Exide’s operations. California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control has led one of the largest cleanup efforts in our nation’s history, costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars to date.

“This Superfund designation by the U.S. EPA would provide a long overdue recognition of the environmental injustices that have been imposed upon the local communities here. I look forward to working alongside federal officials in the coming months to deliver these important resources.”

The NPL is a list of prioritized areas for EPA Superfund cleanup investments. The Superfund designation recognizes areas where toxic hazards pose significant threats to public and environmental health.

Ben Allen represents the 24th State Senate District, which consists of the Westside, Hollywood, coastal South Bay, and Santa Monica Mountains communities of Los Angeles County.