Page 25 - Plastics News March 2025
P. 25
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
Newsom Halts Landmark California
Plastic Law, Orders Revisions
alifornia’s ambitious plastic reduction law, cant overhaul of California’s plastics and pack-
SB 54, has hit an unexpected roadblock. aging policies in history.
CGovernor Gavin Newsom has ordered a
complete restart of the regulatory process, de- The financial impact of the law was a key con-
laying the long-awaited implementation of rules sideration. A state analysis estimated an over-
designed to curb plastic pollution. all cost of $36 billion, potentially adding $300 in
annual costs to California households. However,
Signed into law in 2022, SB 54 aimed to cut the same study projected that the law would
single-use plastic packaging by 25% and ensure generate $19.2 billion in personal income and
that 65% of materials are recyclable by 2032. provide $40.3 billion in health and environmental
The law also shifted financial responsibility for benefits.
plastic waste management from taxpayers to
producers. However, just as regulations were set State Senator Ben Allen, who championed SB
to be finalized, Newsom intervened, citing con- 54, emphasized the law’s necessity. “Our cities
cerns over cost and fairness. and counties are struggling with the endless in-
flux of plastics. Without action, consumers will
“The Governor is directing CalRecycle to restart continue to bear the financial burden.”
these regulations to ensure California’s bold re-
cycling law can achieve its goal of cutting plastic Some advocates now suggest taking the issue
pollution and is implemented fairly,” said News- directly to voters. In 2022, a ballot measure to
om’s deputy director of communications, Daniel ban most single-use plastics was withdrawn in
Villaseñor. favor of SB 54, under pressure from industry
stakeholders. With this latest setback, many be-
Environmental groups reacted with frustration. lieve it’s time to reconsider that decision.
Organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium,
the Ocean Conservancy, and Oceana accused For now, California’s fight against plastic pollu-
Newsom of prioritizing the interests of the plas- tion remains in limbo, with the future of SB 54
tics industry over environmental and public wel- uncertain.
fare. Critics pointed to his past support for SB Source:- Los Angeles Times
54, which was once hailed as the most signifi-
March 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 25
