California Gov. Newsom vetoes PFAS bill

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed California Senate Bill 682, which would have prohibited the distribution, sale or offering for sale of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS, beginning Jan. 1, 2028. These products include cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging and ski wax. Additionally, the bill would have prohibited the distribution, sale or offering for sale of cookware that contains intentionally added PFAS, beginning Jan. 1, 2030.

“I share the author’s goal to protect human health and the environment by phasing out the use of PFAS in consumer products. However, the broad range of products that would be affected by this bill would result in a sizeable and rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians,” writes Gov. Newsom in his Oct. 13 veto statement. “I 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 cooking products.”

The governor states that discussions should continue, “while ensuring we are not sacrificing the ability of Californians to afford household products like cookware with efforts to address the prevalence of PFAS.”