Latest news with #GeorgeWhitesides
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Val Verde residents say nearby toxic Chiquita Canyon landfill is making them sick
The Brief The Chiquita Canyon Landfill has been closed since January. Acres of garbage are burning deep inside the landfill. Nearby residents say their health has been negatively impacted by the toxic fumes and liquids coming from the facility. LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - After FOX 11 got a look inside the now-closed Chiquita Canyon Landfill in the Castaic area, residents in Val Verde invited us to visit and see first-hand the health troubles the community is facing because, they say, of the landfill. What we know Assemblymembers Pilar Schiavo, Juan Carrillo and Anamarie Avila Farias, and Congressman George Whitesides visited with Val Verde residents on Friday. The community is right next to the landfill, which stopped taking in garbage in January. What they're saying Residents are grappling with health problems they blame on the toxic fumes released by the landfill. PREVIOUS: FOX 11 tours Chiquita Canyon landfill The other side Chiquita Canyon officials deny that emissions are causing the problems they're describing: things like rashes, nosebleeds, nausea, respiratory ailments and cancer. Chiquita offered a community relief program when the reaction was first acknowledged, but has since stopped the program. Residents say they need relocation funds, because their homes are unsellable. What's next Schiavo is working on multiple pieces of legislation she hopes will solve the issue. AB28, the Landfill Safety Act, would strengthen oversight and impose large penalties to fund relief and relocation for the communities impacted by the landfill. AB27, the Chiquita Canyon Tax Relief Act, would ensure that families who received relief funds would not face tax penalties. Val Verde residents, though, say legislation takes time, and they don't have that luxury. The Source Information in this story is from interviews with Val Verde residents and Chiquita Canyon officials, and previous FOX 11 reports.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House Democrats warn against Trump cuts to scientific agencies
House Democrats with science backgrounds are warning President Trump against major funding cuts to scientific agencies, underscoring the benefits of investing in research and the risks of pulling support amid growing U.S.-China competition. Eleven Democratic lawmakers raised concerns Thursday about proposed cuts to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 'We have dedicated our careers to the pursuit of scientific discovery before coming to Washington, in laboratories and classrooms here on Earth, and in missions that reached far into space,' the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the president. 'We represent millions of Americans who will be deeply impacted by the recent cuts proposed by representatives acting under your authority, and who believe that the federal government has a fundamental obligation to support science and scientists,' they continued. 'With that in mind, we call on you to immediately stop the dismantling of our nation's scientific enterprise,' they added. The letter was led by Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), who previously served as chief of staff at NASA. Trump has proposed steep to cuts to scientific agencies in his budget request for fiscal 2026, including $1.3 billion in cuts to NOAA, $4.7 billion in cuts to NSF, $6 billion in cuts to NASA and $18 billion in cuts to the NIH. The Democratic lawmakers in Thursday's letter pointed to the importance of research for medical breakthroughs, anticipating and warning about severe storms and boosting American jobs and security in urging Trump to reverse course on the cuts. They also emphasized the administration's focus on promoting innovation and ensuring American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. 'At a time of great power competition in countering China, scientific research and advancement are more important than ever,' the lawmakers wrote. 'As these competitors increase investments in their innovation ecosystems and research enterprises, we cannot afford to undermine the future of our scientific leadership.' 'We urge your administration to follow the longstanding principle of bipartisan support for the scientific community and national leaders who have made science a national priority, embracing it as a driver of economic growth, public health, and environmental safety,' they added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
House Democrats warn against Trump cuts to scientific agencies
House Democrats with science backgrounds are warning President Trump against major funding cuts to scientific agencies, underscoring the benefits of investing in research and the risks of pulling support amid growing U.S.-China competition. Eleven Democratic lawmakers raised concerns Thursday about proposed cuts to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 'We have dedicated our careers to the pursuit of scientific discovery before coming to Washington, in laboratories and classrooms here on Earth, and in missions that reached far into space,' the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the president. 'We represent millions of Americans who will be deeply impacted by the recent cuts proposed by representatives acting under your authority, and who believe that the federal government has a fundamental obligation to support science and scientists,' they continued. 'With that in mind, we call on you to immediately stop the dismantling of our nation's scientific enterprise,' they added. The letter was led by Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), who previously served as chief of staff at NASA. Trump has proposed steep to cuts to scientific agencies in his budget request for fiscal year 2026, including $1.3 billion in cuts to NOAA, $4.7 billion in cuts to NSF, $6 billion in cuts to NASA and $18 billion in cuts to the NIH. The Democratic lawmakers in Thursday's letter pointed to the importance of research for medical breakthroughs, anticipating and warning about severe storms and boosting American jobs and security in urging Trump to reverse course on the cuts. They also emphasized the administration's focus on promoting innovation and ensuring American leadership on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. 'At a time of great power competition in countering China, scientific research and advancement are more important than ever,' the lawmakers wrote. 'As these competitors increase investments in their innovation ecosystems and research enterprises, we cannot afford to undermine the future of our scientific leadership.' 'We urge your administration to follow the longstanding principle of bipartisan support for the scientific community and national leaders who have made science a national priority, embracing it as a driver of economic growth, public health, and environmental safety,' they added.
