California Single-Use Packaging EPR Bill Delayed

In 2022 California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the state’s EPR bill, SB 54. The regulation to implement this bill were not finalized by the March 8, 2025 deadline. As a result, Gov. Newsom directed the state’s environmental agency, CalRecycle, to restart the regulatory process for the state’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging law, SB 54, citing concerns about potential burdens on consumers and businesses. As Canadian governments often benchmark against California’s policies, this development is notable and will likely be observed by Canadian policymakers as EPR initiatives continue to roll out across the country.