Governor Newsom Vetoes Legislation to Replace “Forever Chemicals” with Cleaner Alternatives
SACRAMENTO – Today, California governor Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 682, a bill championed by the author, Senator Allen, as well as consumer advocates, environmental, and health groups that would have eliminated harmful chemicals from household products.
Reaction from Dr. Anna Reade, director of PFAS advocacy with NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“By vetoing SB 682, Governor Newsom failed to protect Californians and our drinking water from toxic forever chemicals. This policy would have aligned California with the other states that have already passed laws to phase out PFAS from all of these consumer products. Now California is a laggard. It’s unfortunate that misinformation and greed by some in the cookware industry tanked this policy. But people are increasingly aware of the health and pollution risks associated with forever chemicals and are demanding PFAS-free alternatives for their homes and families. NRDC will continue to press the case for elimination of PFAS wherever possible.”
His veto message can be found here.
Background on the legislation found here.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).