The Department of Toxic Substances Control protects people from toxins in California. Its environmental assessor program registers environmental compliance experts on a voluntary basis. The program is fully funded by the application and registration fees paid by the registrants. The program connects small- and medium-sized businesses with assessors to assist in complying and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Its public information office coordinates all contacts with news media representatives through interviews, news releases and opinion articles. The department requests public comments on various draft documents, such as regulations, site cleanup plans, draft permits and California Environmental Quality Act documents. Its calendar provides information about comment periods, public hearings and meetings, workshops and training.