SACRAMENTO, Calif. — State Sen. Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) today announced that he has introduced legislation to strengthen oversight of reactive chemical facilities and improve emergency preparedness, following the nearly catastrophic chemical plant incident in Garden Grove last month.
The bill, SB 883 — the Preventing Chemical Explosions Act — responds to the May 2026 event that displaced residents, disrupted businesses, and highlighted gaps in current regulations. Umberg, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and represents Garden Grove and surrounding Orange County communities in the 34th Senate District, said the measure will help prevent future disasters.
The legislation includes several key provisions. Facilities storing large quantities of methyl methacrylate (MMA) must develop formal Risk Management Plans, and MMA is added to California’s Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) Program. Reactive chemical storage sites must maintain backup cooling systems, and new facilities are prohibited from storing reactive chemicals in residential areas. Local fire departments and emergency responders are designated as lead agencies during chemical emergencies. Cal OES is directed to maintain a statewide inventory of reactive chemical storage facilities, and CalEnviroScreen will be updated to incorporate explosive risk data. The CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing is clarified to exclude certain explosive chemical storage facilities. Finally, any settlements arising from the 2026 Garden Grove Chemical Plant Incident are exempt from state income tax.
“As a legislator, it is my duty to protect the safety and well-being of not only my constituents, but all Californians,” Umberg said. “While we are fortunate that no lives were lost and no homes were destroyed, residents were displaced, businesses were disrupted, and the consequences could have been far worse. We must learn from this incident, address the gaps it exposed, and take steps to ensure it never happens again. SB 883 will strengthen oversight, improve emergency preparedness, and help protect communities from future chemical disasters.”
SB 883 is scheduled to be heard in Assembly policy committees later this month.
Umberg, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former federal prosecutor, represents Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, and East and South Whittier. He and his wife, Brig. Gen. Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.
