CA SB445

Requires owners/operators to permanently close underground storage tanks installed before January 1, 1984, or alternative-design motor fuel tanks installed before January 1, 1997, by December 31, 2025; board may require earlier closure for tanks posing high threats to water quality or public health.

Extends the Barry Keene Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Trust Fund Act from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2026, and establishes an Expedited Claim Pilot Project with a $100,000,000 transfer to reduce cleanup costs and time to closure.

Increases petroleum storage fee by $0.006 per gallon until January 1, 2026, with $0.003 designated for school districts, site cleanup, and other purposes; decreases maximum corrective action reimbursement from $1,500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence for claims filed after January 1, 2015.

Creates the Site Cleanup Subaccount for expenditures to identify, remediate, and grant funds for groundwater and surface water contamination caused by existing or threatened releases, with consideration for small and financially disadvantaged communities.

Imposes civil penalties up to $500,000 and criminal penalties (fine and/or imprisonment) for misrepresentations or false statements in claims; authorizes the executive director to permanently disqualify violators from receiving fund moneys.

Increases maximum grant amounts for small business tank upgrades/replacements from $50,000 to $70,000, with up to $140,000 for fueling stations meeting specified criteria.