FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Asm. Harabedian Pushes for Soil Contamination Testing Funding Following the Eaton Fire
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) urged funding for soil contamination testing as wildfire survivors weigh returning home during today’s Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety hearing. Testing soil for contaminants is a critical step in determining whether areas affected by wildfires are safe for residents.
“Families are facing the difficult choice of whether to return home and rebuild their lives. said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “The state has already allocated two and a half billion dollars for Los Angeles wildfire recovery. We should prioritize soil contamination testing because it gives survivors the tools to make an informed decision and the assurance that their homes are safe.”
While the Army Corps of Engineers removed the top six inches of soil during Eaton Fire cleanup, comprehensive testing was not conducted to confirm if harmful substances remain. Without this testing, residents risk exposure to lingering toxins through dust or garden produce. Soil contaminant testing can help ensure cleanup standards are met and protects children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities. Families returning to fire-affected areas should not have to compromise the health of their loved ones due to contaminated soil.
Asm. Harabedian will continue to advocate for funding soil contamination testing in this year’s budget, which must be finalized by June 15th.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
