BILL NUMBER:  SB 983
  VETOED	DATE: 09/25/2000




SEP 25 2000

To Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 983 without my signature.

This bill would require the Department of Toxic Substances Control
(DTSC), by January 1, 2002, to adopt regulations to provide state and
local agencies with procedures and standards for taking remedial
actions at illegal drug lab sites.

There has been a dramatic proliferation of illegal drug labs
throughout California in the last four years, especially in the
Central Valley.  I agree with the author that it is imperative for
California to ensure that these sites are cleaned to a level that
protects public health and the environment.  However, this measure is
flawed.  The cleanup standards in this bill are incomplete and are
not protective of water quality nor do they adequately protect
residents from pollution, contamination, and nuisance.  Also, the
one-year timeframe for developing scientifically complicated
regulations creates an impossible time frame to meet.

This bill does however address a significant and growing problem in
California.  I am directing the DTSC as part of the FY 2001-02 Budget
to develop standards, in consultation with the appropriate agencies,
for the cleanup of illegal drug labs that are protective of the
public health and the environment.  Sincerely,





GRAY DAVIS