The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has called on the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to halt consideration of a proposed Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Stormwater Permit. The permit could be voted on as early as November 20, 2025.
According to CMTA, the proposal lacks clarity regarding which entities it would apply to and what the associated costs would be. Private organizations such as manufacturers, private employers, schools, hospitals, and other community institutions in Southern California could face compliance costs of up to $325,000 per acre. In contrast, public institutions like government-run schools and hospitals would be exempt from these expenses.
“The lack of clarity in this proposal means that countless businesses and organizations may not even know they’re affected until it’s too late,” said Lance Hastings, CMTA President & CEO. “The Board has a responsibility to clearly define who this Permit covers, ensure transparency, and meaningfully address ongoing concerns and significant costs before rushing to adopt it. We strongly urge the Board to pause and address these serious issues before moving forward.”
CMTA argues that despite years of feedback from stakeholders, the draft permit remains vague and financially unworkable. The association notes that the Board’s assumption that capital expenses can be amortized over 20 years at just 2% interest does not reflect actual financing conditions faced by businesses.
On November 7, CMTA joined with other business and institutional stakeholders in submitting a formal letter urging the Board to reject adoption of the current draft permit and work directly with affected sectors to resolve outstanding issues.
The coalition has warned that if adopted in its current form, the permit could set a precedent for similar regulations statewide and might lead to appeals or legal challenges at higher levels.
“This isn’t about opposing environmental progress, it’s about ensuring fair, practical, and transparent rules,” Hastings said. “California manufacturers lead the nation in sustainability, but they need clear, achievable standards that don’t jeopardize their ability to operate or remain competitive in the state.”
CMTA represents manufacturing interests across California. Manufacturing accounts for approximately $300 billion annually—about 10 percent of California’s total economic output—and employs more than 1.24 million people in the state.
