SENATOR SEEKS MAJOR FINE HIKES FOR 'CHRONIC' AIR POLLUTERS

Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Whittier) is pursuing a bold proposal to substantially hike air pollution fines, including a new mega-fine for "serious" or "chronic" polluters, arguing current penalties do not deter companies from routinely violating permit limits. Industry representatives said they will fight the measure, strongly disagreeing with Escutia's premise that companies merely budget fines into their business plans. SB 1205, the "Children's Breathing Rights Act," would increase civil penalties for certain violations from $1,000 to up to $10,000, and after...