Bill AB 1642
Hello Fire Recovery Partners,
EFRU has been closely following Assemblymember Harabedian’s bill addressing indoor and outdoor contamination from the Eaton and Palisades Fires of January 2025. AB 1642 calls for health-based testing and clearance standards for the recovery of standing homes, schools, and businesses impacted by smoke and ash, and for soil remediation, in accordance with DTSC guidelines.
This is HUGE! Currently, there are no statewide standards governing the recovery of standing structures after a wildland–urban interface (WUI) fire, and AB 1642 would change this.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Unfortunately, many people have returned to homes, schools, and businesses still affected by contamination. Without standards for the recovery of a standing building that survived the fire, insurance companies have frequently failed to provide thorough testing or restoration of homes. EFRU’s data shows that 6 out of 10 homes that have been remediated are still not habitable due to lead and/or asbestos levels. Fire-related contamination poses a serious public health threat to our communities. If passed, AB 1642 would retroactively address the toxicity related to the 2025 LA fires.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
AB 1642 is scheduled for its first committee hearing before the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. It is critical that AB 1642 receive strong support from community members, collaborative recovery organizations, and groups assisting residents who live, work, or have children attending schools in impacted areas.
Please consider adding your organization's name to the letter supporting AB 1642 below. It will clearly demonstrate to the Committee the urgent need and community support for this bill. Letters are needed by Wednesday, March 4th no later than 5pm.
Individual letters of support from people with a standing home, those with a total loss dealing with soil contamination, those with children at a local school, or those working in the area can also be submitted using the button below. If you want to further support this effort, please share this widely! Let’s make sure Sacramento hears us loud and clear.
ADD YOUR ENDORSEMENT TO AB 1642 HERE
THANK YOU
We greatly appreciate your partnership in our communities' recovery. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you might have at contact@efru.la.
Sincerely,
Jane Lawton Potelle