Plan to Probe State Toxic Cleanup Plan Irks GOP

SACRAMENTO —  Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles) Tuesday announced the formation of a special toxics investigation subcommittee to look into management problems and alleged conflicts of interests in the Deukmejian Administration’s hazardous waste cleanup program.

Although Roberti denied that formation of the panel was aimed at Republican Gov. George Deukmejian, who will seek reelection this year, the decision set off an immediate partisan squabble in the Senate with Republicans refusing to participate.

Sen. Art Torres (D-South Pasadena), chairman of the Senate Toxics and Public Safety Management Committee, will also chair the new subcommittee.

Roberti named Republican Sen. Becky Morgan of Los Altos Hills to serve on the new investigative body, but Morgan refused the appointment.

“I’m a little bit suspicious about why it was formed,” said Morgan, who was told of her appointment after it was announced at a press conference.

“Our fear and skepticism is that (the subcommittee) will serve as a forum to knock the governor,” said Senate Republican Leader James W. Nielsen of Woodland, who said he will discourage Republicans from serving.

Roberti said the subcommittee will be formed even if Republicans refuse to participate.

The Administration’s toxics cleanup program has been the target of several investigations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the FBI. In addition, Deukmejian has asked that the state auditor general, who works for the Legislature, take an independent look at the program. And Deukmejian has appointed a task force to find alternate ways of treating and disposing of hazardous waste.

But Roberti insisted that the new subcommittee will take a broader look at a variety of issues, including allegations that employees of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board took time away from their state jobs to work on a private business venture with Raymond V. Stone, a consulting engineer who later was named by Deukmejian to be chairman of the state Water Resources Control Board.

Stone has denied any conflict. However, he must be confirmed by the Senate to head up the water board. At the news conference, Roberti expressed concerns about Stone’s judgment.