September 4, 2024

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it proposes adding the Exide Technologies facility in the City of Vernon to the Superfund National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites eligible to receive funding for long-term investigation and cleanup. The former battery recycling plant contaminated soil in homes across Southeast Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and Boyle Heights over a period of decades. Many continue to deal with lead contamination and inadequate cleanup.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Vernon and surrounding communities, issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement represents a massive step forward in our effort to cleanup Exide’s contamination once and for all and bring some amount of justice to the families that have borne the brunt of the consequences of this corporation’s negligence and greed. It took a partnership at every level of government to get us to this point and we will continue to push for the highest possible standard of lead remediation. These residents and their children deserve nothing less.”