FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2023
(Sacramento) – Over the weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he signed legislation requiring testing for harmful chemicals in drinking water following a wildfire into law. The bill, AB 541, was authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) and directs state water agencies to test for the chemical compound benzene after a major wildfire event. BuildStrong California applauds the Governor and Asm. Wood on this important legislative achievement.
“One of the most valuable services we can provide to communities impacted by wildfires is to ensure they are returning to a safe environment as they rebuild and recover,” said Wood. “Californians deserve to know that when they return home, their drinking water is safe. I am grateful to all the stakeholders involved, including BuildStrong California, who supported this effort to protect the safety and integrity of our critical water infrastructure.”
AB 541 addresses the widespread benzene contamination that was discovered following recent major wildfires in areas like Santa Rosa and Paradise. Benzene is found in crude oil, gasoline, and wildfire smoke and has been linked to numerous ailments ranging from skin and eye irritation to leukemia. The bill allows state water agencies to swiftly and adequately respond when benzene is detected in a water system in the aftermath of such wildfire events.
“This is a major step in the right direction in protecting the critical water infrastructure that Californians rely on every day,” said BuildStrong California Executive Director Dr. Natalie Enclade. “The fallout from wildfires is only growing more severe, and we applaud Asm. Wood for working to provide peace of mind to our communities as they bounce back from these devastating events.”
