WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to add the former Halaco Engineering Company site in Oxnard, California to the Superfund program’s National Priorities List (NPL). 

“Today's announcement is an indication that the federal government is moving toward fixing the Halaco problem.   Protecting the health and safety of the residents of Oxnard and the surrounding communities is my highest priority, and this declaration is an important first step in addressing this serious problem.  The proposed listing would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to continue its work to clean up the site. 

“I am very concerned however that the EPA may not be able to adequately address Halaco and other Superfund sites across the country because the President’s 2008 budget fails to provide adequate funding for Superfund cleanups. Tomorrow the EPA Administrator will be testifying about the President’s budget before my committee.  I will ask him what assurances he can give me and the Oxnard community that the Halaco Site is going to be cleaned up any time soon given this lack of funding.  We have a lot of hard work to do to restore funding for this crucial program that protects human health and the environment.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.