Sen. Blakespear Criticizes Lack of Progress in Implementing the Law to Create Plastic Pollution Regulations

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom failed to issue regulations implementing SB 54 by today’s deadline:

"The passage of SB 54 three years ago was a gigantic step forward in combatting the growing amount of plastic waste that is destroying our environment and poisoning people. But progress is significantly delayed now due to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration failing to issue the regulations required to implement this groundbreaking measure that ensures producers of consumer products take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their plastic.

"The statutory timelines in SB 54 have not changed and we need to remain committed to meeting them, despite this regulatory step back. Producer responsibility for plastic packaging will bring financial relief to residents and businesses that are facing repeated recycling and waste manage rate hikes to pay for the ever increasing difficulty of managing our complex waste stream. The plastic pollution scourge continues to foul our most pristine places, including beaches, trails, mountains and lagoons, while we dither over our regulatory approach.

"We must immediately get back on track to release the regulations that govern the roll out of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act."

Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38. Her constituents live in northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.