California
Health and Safety Code – HSC § 59009
The office may commence and maintain all proper and necessary actions and proceedings for any or all of the following purposes:
(a) To enforce its rules and regulations.
(b) To enjoin and abate nuisances related to matters within its jurisdiction which are dangerous to health.
(c) To compel the performance of any act specifically enjoined upon any person, officer, or board, by any law of this state relating to matters within its jurisdiction.
(d) On matters within its jurisdiction, to protect and preserve the public health.
The office may defend all actions and proceedings involving its powers and duties. In all actions and proceedings, the office shall sue and be sued under the name of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.