California's landmark plastic pollution law, Senate Bill 54, went live on June 1, requiring companies to register and report packaging. The law aims to reduce single-use plastic by 25% by 2032, but faces criticism from both industry and environmental groups.
- Industry groups say rules are opaque and expensive, with legal challenges expected. - Environmental advocates argue exemptions weaken the law's goals.
- Companies must register through a producer responsibility organization or report directly to regulators. - Producers must contribute $500 million annually to a state plastic pollution mitigation fund by next year.
Both sides agree the law may be too ambitious without adequate support structures.