CA AB1553

Establishes the Southern Los Angeles Ocean Chemical Waste Community Oversight Council as a state agency within the California Environmental Protection Agency to oversee study and mitigation of chemical waste deposits (including DDT) in the San Pedro Basin off Los Angeles.

Council consists of 11 voting members (including the Secretary for Environmental Protection, State Water Resources Control Board Chairperson, Director of State Department of Public Health, Director of Department of Toxic Substances Control, Secretary of Natural Resources Agency, and 6 public members representing environmental, fishing, and tourism organizations) and no more than 9 nonvoting members.

Requires the council to hold at least one public meeting every 6 months to review proposed and completed scientific studies, provide feedback on mitigation strategies, and assess implications of existing laws and policies related to DDT.

Mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on or before June 30 each year with recommendations on mitigating negative impacts, considering effects on the environment, local communities, Indigenous cultures, public health, and financial feasibility.

Council lacks regulatory authority over land use, water quality, or land activities and sunsets on January 1, 2027, unless extended by later legislation.