A groundbreaking California law that compels packaging producers to phase out single-use plastics is already sparking anger from the chemicals industry and environmental groups just weeks after going into effect.
The law, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 but only took effect in May, requires plastic and packaging companies to use less single-use plastic, and ensure by 2032 that all packaging is either recyclable or compostable. The big idea is to incentivize producers of plastics to consider the end of their products’ life in order to create better, more sustainable bottles, containers and wrappings.
Under the new rules, plastic producers have to cut single-use plastic, increase recycling rates, and pay $5bn to remedy harms from plastic pollution.
?
I work for the state. We have tons of experts. We have engineering phds, all kinds of scientists from environmental, chemistry, economy and so on. We literally do the above. We can’t over regulate, there is a balancing act.
No industry people are getting one up on us. Where things always fall apart is at the top when a governor or something steps in and says let it go or something like that. It’s rare but it does happen. Blue states are better than red by far but it still happens.