Governor veto affects Gregory Canyon

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation Friday introduced by Senator Dean Florez that would have impacted the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill project off State Highway 76.

The measure was proposed to keep initiative-approved waste disposal facilities from skirting planning requirements intended to protect public health and valuable natural resources by prohibiting a city or county from issuing a waste management permit without complying with existing state, local and federal laws. The bill had passed the assembly 72-0 and the Senate 33-3.

Refusing to sign the legislation, the Governor’s veto textual comments indicated an unwillingness to oppose a voter-approved initiative. “This measure establishes permitting impediments for landfills approved by local initiative not required for landfills approved through other local processes.

“Permitting landfill facilities requires compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and various local, state, and federal permitting agencies including ones with jurisdiction over air and water quality. During these permitting processes, local citizens, state and federal regulators will have ample opportunity to comment on the project, impose mitigation measures, and require strict compliance with environmental protection laws.

“The local initiative process only addresses the local land use requirements and I am hesitant to require additional permitting burdens for a landfill that was approved by a vote of the citizens versus one approved by local officials.”

The proposed legislation was supported by many persons interested in protecting environmental resources, including the Sierra Club, Pala and Pauma Bands of Mission Indians, RiverWatch, the League of California Cities, and the city of Oceanside.