Overview

• SB 682 would have phased out PFAS in children’s items, dental floss, food packaging, cleaning products, and ski wax starting in 2028, with a ban on cookware containing intentionally added PFAS by 2030.
• In his veto message, Newsom warned the measure would cause a sizable, rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians, while industry groups argued it could threaten port and distribution jobs.
• The proposal became a high-profile fight between environmental and health advocates citing PFAS links to cancer and chefs plus cookware manufacturers warning of higher costs and limited options.
• Environmental groups condemned the decision, including the NRDC, and bill author Sen. Ben Allen said he will continue working on PFAS restrictions.
• Other states are moving in different directions, with Minnesota enacting a cookware ban that withstood a legal challenge in August and Illinois dropping a cookware ban in favor of a scientific review.