Plastics Industry Association Responds to Governor Newsom’s Directive to Restart SB 54 Regulatory Negotiations

Washington, D.C.— PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm issued the following statement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive to CalRecycle to restart regulatory negotiations for SB 54:

“Governor Newsom’s decision to restart the regulatory process for SB 54 highlights the significant challenges in its original implementation for consumers, recyclers, and businesses. The Governor’s directive presents a critical opportunity for California policymakers to develop a workable recycling framework that incorporates industry expertise and meets environmental objectives, ensuring economic feasibility and global competitiveness. Achievable, balanced policies require collaboration—not rushed regulations that create unintended consequences for Californians while failing to advance real sustainability solutions. The plastics industry remains committed to working with Governor Newsom and policymakers to craft practical, effective regulations that drive economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance circularity.”

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.