California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 78185

(a) This part shall not be construed as imposing any new liability associated with acts that occurred on or before January 1, 1982, if the acts were not in violation of existing state or federal laws at the time they occurred.

(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed as authorizing recovery for response costs or damages resulting from any release authorized or permitted pursuant to state law, including a federally permitted release.

(c) Except as provided in Sections 79650, 79665, and 79670 and Articles 3 (commencing with Section 79700) and 5 (commencing with 79760) of Chapter 8, nothing in this part shall affect or modify in any way the obligations or liability of any person under any other provision of state or federal law, including common law, for damages, injury, or loss resulting from a release of any hazardous substance or for removal or remedial action or the costs of removal or remedial action of the hazardous substance.