Opinion ID: 779057
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Information Gathering Authority

Text: 105 The Insurers next argue that MERLO's information gathering provision conflicts with both CERCLA and HSAA. Section 8.24.050 authorizes Lodi to compel the production of any documents, information, and testimony: 106 ... for the purposes of investigating the nature or source of ... an environmental nuisance, or for the purposes of determining the need for abatement actions, choosing or taking an abatement action under this chapter, or for the purposes of determining the nature and extent of the assets and financial resources that are or may be available to (or available to provide indemnity or similar benefits to) any potentially responsible parties to undertake abatement actions which are or may be required pursuant to this chapter or to reimburse the comprehensive municipal environmental response fund for any abatement action costs incurred or to be incurred by the city pursuant to this chapter. 107 MERLO § 8.24.050(A). The Insurers assert that by this section, Lodi has improperly arrogated to itself information-gathering powers that only the EPA can provide under CERCLA § 104(e), and only DTSC can provide under HSAA § 25358.1(a). 108 Notwithstanding any authority that Lodi may acquire by delegation, Lodi has independent authority to promulgate information-gathering legislation pursuant to its traditional police powers. These powers include the City's authority to gather the information reasonably necessary to discharge its duty to protect the public health and welfare from public nuisances. See Cal. Gov't Code § 38773.5 (a municipality's legislative body may by Ordinance establish a procedure for the abatement of a nuisance). In addition, California Government Code § 37104 specifically authorizes city councils to issue legislative subpoenas. Lodi's authority to issue legislative subpoenas under MERLO and pursuant to California Government Code § 37104 was recently reaffirmed by the California Supreme Court. See Conn. Indem. Co. v. Super. Ct., 23 Cal.4th 807, 98 Cal.Rptr.2d 221, 3 P.3d 868 (2000). 109 Moreover, Lodi's decision to exercise its independent information-gathering authority by enacting MERLO does not conflict with either state or federal law. Compliance with an information-gathering request under MERLO would not make compliance with such a request under CERCLA or HSAA impossible. See Indus. Truck Ass'n, 125 F.3d at 1309 (explaining that court will find federal conflict preemption when it is impossible to comply with both state and federal requirements). Nor would it stand as an obstacle to accomplishing and executing the goals of CERCLA and HSAA. Id. (stating that courts will find federal conflict preemption when state law stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the full purpose and objectives of Congress). Finally, permitting Lodi to issue legislative subpoenas does not prohibit conduct expressly authorized by state statute or authorize conduct expressly prohibited by state law. See Sports Comm. Dist., 113 Cal.App.3d at 159, 169 Cal.Rptr. 652. 110 For these reasons, we find that MERLO's information-gathering provisions are not preempted by either CERCLA or HSAA. 111