(a) The California Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the following agencies, shall examine ways to improve public and worker safety through enhanced oversight of refineries and to strengthen emergency preparedness in anticipation of any future refinery incident, and shall facilitate coordination among these agencies to protect the public, fence line communities, and refinery workers from risks associated with refinery operations throughout the state:

(1) The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

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(2) The California Environmental Protection Agency.

(3) The State Air Resources Board.

(4) The Department of Toxic Substances Control.

(5) The State Water Resources Control Board.

(6) The Department of Industrial Relations.

(7) The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA).

(8) The State Department of Public Health.

(9) The Emergency Medical Services Authority.

(10) The Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(11) Certified unified program agencies in areas with refineries.

(12) Local air districts in areas with refineries.

(13) The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.

(b) Local agencies and the United States Environmental Protection Agency may elect to participate in the efforts provided for in this section at their option.

(c) (1) The California Environmental Protection Agency shall convene at least two public meetings annually to provide members of the public with current information on refinery safety and to receive information from the public regarding health and safety concerns associated with refinery operations.

(2) The California Environmental Protection Agency shall request representatives from each agency listed in subdivision (a) to attend the public meetings convened pursuant to this subdivision.

(3) Meetings convened pursuant to this subdivision shall be held in geographically distinct locations in areas where a refinery is located.

(d) The provisions of this section shall be carried out by agency personnel within the scope of their existing duties.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 590, Sec. 1. (AB 1649) Effective January 1, 2018. Note: Sections 71200 through 71271 are located in Division 36, which follows Section 71424.)