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Amid a record heatwave in California, the deadly and dangerous realities of the climate crisis have never been more apparent. At the California Department of Justice, we are doing what we can to protect what matters most: the health and well-being of our people and planet.
Take, for example, that when an oil spill hit the coast of Orange County last October, I immediately launched an investigation to ensure accountability. This week, we ensured just that: Along with our partners in the Orange County District Attorney’s office, we announced the filing of six criminal charges and a nearly $5 million penalty to hold the company responsible for the Huntington Beach oil spill accountable. From this investigation to our court fights defending California’s nation-leading climate laws, we won’t back down in our efforts to protect our health and planet.
Rob Bonta
California Attorney General
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Holding Polluters Accountable
The oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach last year polluted state waterways, shut down local beaches, and wreaked havoc on our fish and wildlife. While the exact cost of the spill is still unknown, our announcement this week of criminal charges and millions in penalties against the company responsible marks an important step toward accountability.
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Ending the Plastic Pollution Crisis
Without aggressive federal action, the global plastic pollution crisis is only going to get worse. In California, we’ve launched a first-of-its-kind investigation into the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries for their decades-long campaign of deception around the recyclability of plastic products. But we must also take action to reduce our consumption of these products
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Protecting Patients from Fraud
This week we announced that our office had secured a seven-year prison sentence against Gary Wisner, a San Joaquin County orthopedic surgeon who used both his patients and state resources to line his own pockets. Due to his dishonest behavior, patients at his clinic had to undergo unnecessary medical tests so he could steal from the state’s Medi-Cal funds. Abuse of power by medical practitioners will never be tolerated within our state’s healthcare system.
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TIK TOK OF THE WEEK
It’s devastating that the majority of gun deaths in America are suicides.
During National Suicide Prevention Week, I urge Californians to learn more about Gun Violence Restraining Orders, which keep guns from people who may be a risk to themselves or others.
You can save lives. Learn about GVROs at courts.ca.gov.
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TWEET OF THE WEEK
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RESOURCE CORNER
During National Suicide Prevention Week, I remind all Californians that if you are struggling, know that you aren’t alone. Help is available.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress.
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