Annual Mtg. Panel Discussion on Single-Use Packaging | Agricultural Council of California

Ag Council announces our Annual Meeting general session panel, Single-Use Packaging – The Road Ahead, a discussion focused on the current and future landscape regarding the single-use packaging regulation in California.

The panel, moderated by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, will feature CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller, California Retailers Association CEO Rachel Michelin, and Circular Action Alliance California Executive Director Rachel Wagoner.

This panel of experts brings together leaders and regulators involved in the development of California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) to discuss its status in the regulatory process and how it will impact our members.

Please go to the “Events” page to register for the Annual Meeting.

SB 54 Background
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (“SB 54”) into law on June 30, 2022, after passage in the State Legislature. It is one of the most sweeping packaging regulations to ever be enacted in the nation.

The law is intended to address plastic pollution and single-use packaging in our environment, as well as address the amount of single-use packaging in landfills.

By 2032, SB 54 requires the reduction of single-use plastic packaging by 25 percent in California. In addition, by 2032, 65 percent of all single-use plastic packaging must be recycled, and 100 percent of all packaging and food ware is required to be made of a recyclable or compostable material.

Ag Council has been involved each step of the way as it relates to the drafting and adoption of this landmark measure. Vice President of Government Affairs Tricia Geringer worked with state legislators and staff in the years leading up to the passage of SB 54 to help secure important provisions for our members.

Since then, Ag Council President Emily Rooney has engaged directly with Governor Newsom’s Administration and serves as a nonvoting member of an advisory committee to help shape SB 54 implementation. Ag Council is particularly focused on prioritizing the feasibility and affordability of the regulation and ensuring our members have a voice in the process.

Ag Council encourages you to attend the panel discussion during our 106th Annual Meeting. Go to the “Events” page to register for the meeting.