Newsom appointed a close ally to this state board. Environmental groups say he has a conflict of interest

Environmental groups are demanding the resignation of Rhys Williams, newly appointed to California's Board of Environmental Safety, due to his prior lobbying work for Axiom Advisors, which represents companies involved in toxic waste management. Williams, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom, has agreed to recuse himself from matters involving Axiom clients, but critics argue his appointment undermines the board's impartiality in protecting communities from environmental hazards.