California\u2019s Governor has rejected a bill to phase out the use of PFAS \u201cforever chemicals\u201d in food packaging and certain consumer goods.<\/p>\n
Gavin Newsom described the bill as \u201cwell-intentioned\u201d but said he was concerned about the impact on costs for consumers.<\/p>\n
The bill (SB 682), authored by Senator Ben Allen, was passed in the California\u2019s legislature last month.<\/p>\n
It aimed to prohibit the sale and distribution of \u201cintentionally added\u201d PFAS in a range of items, starting 2028.<\/p>\n
The ban covered cookware, food packaging, cleaning products, dental floss, ski wax and specific children\u2019s products.<\/p>\n
Under the terms of the bill, cookware manufacturers using PFAS had to comply by 2030. Makers of certain cleaning products by 2031 and companies behind other listed products by 2028.<\/p>\n
However, the bill did not secure Newsom\u2019s signature. \u201cI share the author\u2019s goal to protect human health and the environment by phasing out the use of PFAS in consumer products,\u201d Newsom said in a statement yesterday (13 October). \u201cHowever, the broad range of products that would be impacted by this bill would result in a sizeable and rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI appreciate efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers and, while this bill is well-intentioned, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options of cooking products. I believe we must carefully consider the consequences that may result from a dramatic shift of products on our shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n
US states including Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota have already banned PFAS in consumer products, including cookware.<\/p>\n
Susan Little, the California legislative director for the NGO Environmental Working Group, said Newsom\u2019s veto \u201cis a major step backward for California\u2019s leadership in protecting people and the planet from toxic PFAS\u201d.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThese chemicals have no place in everyday items like cookware. Millions of Americans safely cook without them since non-PFAS pots and pans are available, cook well and are affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n