This move alarmed a coalition of 33 environmental organizations, who collectively filed… They are asking California Governor Gavin Newsom and Yana Garcia, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, to stand firm and even strengthen regulations that oppose plastic pollution. The coalition sent a short letter to express our strong concerns. They say they fear that by trying to implement these developments, the state might undermine the strength of existing laws protecting against plastic waste.
The timeliness of this appeal couldn’t come at a more critical time as we face some scary environmental trends. Each year about 33 billion pounds of plastic end up in our oceans. This gigantic pile of trash continues to cause devastating injury and death to marine wildlife, harming fish, birds, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. This troubling trend has led the environmental community to call for stronger protections on California’s ecosystems.
The Legislative Background
In 2022, California legislators passed a landmark bill — SB 54 — signed by Governor Newsom, to implement the law. This legislation would have required that private companies cut their single-use plastic packaging in half by 2030. Further, it mandates that all packaging be 65% recyclable, and all packaging recyclable or compostable.
As part of this legislative framework, the state has already implemented a ban on polystyrene food containers—such as cups, plates, and clamshell boxes—effective January 1. This ban is an important stride toward lessening the impact of plastic waste within the food service industry. Recent moves by the Newsom administration have alarmed environmental advocates.
Governor Newsom just stopped new draft regulations from going forward that took CalRecycle two years of public meetings and studies to develop. In early May, CalRecycle released final regulations that many stakeholders said were not as strict as expected. Want to help us fight plastic pollution and more?
“Achievable, balanced policies require collaboration, not rushed regulations that create unintended consequences for Californians.” – Matt Seaholm
Industry Influence on Regulation
What makes it more interesting is the addition of Rachel Waggoner, Newsom’s onetime director of the California Environmental Protection Agency. Waggoner has taken a position as California director for an industry group that lobbies for flexibility in the state’s plastic regulations. Unsurprisingly, this change has raised the eyebrows of environmentalists. They fear that corporate interests could trump the even more pressing need for strong environmental protections in place now.
Daniel Villaseñor, a spokesman for Newsom, responded to the criticism from environmental groups. He underscored the governor’s desire to strike the right balance with regulation while keeping costs for families and small businesses low.
“Governor Newsom was clear when he asked CalRecycle to restart these regulations that they should work to minimize costs for small businesses and families.” – Daniel Villaseñor
Environmental organizations are as committed as ever to making sure that strong regulations get put in place.
What Advocates Want
They have stated unequivocally that the Newsom administration should take bold, strong steps. If not, they would carry lawsuits or advance a statutory proposition on the 2026 pollock to develop additional robust protections from trawls contamination.
The Environmental Impact
The dangers of plastic pollution reach outside the boundaries of California. Millions of tons of plastic from countries worldwide end up in the ocean each year, leading to devastating effects on marine ecosystems. The alliance of environmental groups, including Sierra Club and Earthjustice, is fiercely determined that California needs to practice what it preaches in the fight against this worldwide crisis.
Tara Brock, an attorney with Oceana, explained the disastrous impact that plastic pollution has on our oceans.
“The oceans are choking on plastic.” – Tara Brock
Fewer than 10% of plastics are recycled in the United States annually. What’s needed We simply can’t wait any longer for thorough, enforceable rules to settle this decay. Environmentalists argue that without decisive actions now, California risks falling short of its goals to mitigate plastic waste and protect its natural resources.
Looking Ahead
The tug-of-war over the future of California’s plastic regulations is escalating. Nationally, environmental groups—including the American Rivers, Environment America, and others—are organizing to demand more protective actions. They emphasize that collaboration between lawmakers, industry leaders, and environmental groups is essential for creating effective policies that address both ecological concerns and economic realities.
Mark Murray, communications director for the nonprofit environmental organization Sightline Institute, said a big picture view was essential. He knows this strategy is critical to addressing the problem comprehensively.
“We have multiple tools in the toolbox and we are going to look at every one.” – Mark Murray