May 20, 2021: The governor of the state of California in his May Revision Budget for 2021-2022 has earmarked a further $291 million to clean up more properties in the city of Vernon around the controversial lead battery recycling plant owned by the former Exide Technologies.

Gavin Newsom’s May Revision proposes that the money should be spent over three years and focus on properties with specified lead contamination levels near the former Exide site.

“To date, the state has provided over $251 million General Fund for residential clean-up and other costs associated with Exide,” says the Revision.

“The bankruptcy settlement allowed Exide to walk away from its obligations to complete the closure of the facility; however, the administration remains committed to pursuing cost recovery from responsible parties for Exide.”

In December 2020, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control filed a suit against a number of companies, including Clarios, Quemetco, Trojan Battery and Ramcar Batteries, claiming they were also responsible for the contamination around the site by transporting hazardous waste to it.

The outcome of the case is not known yet.