CGA Sues to Stop SB 54
Following a successful legal challenge against SB 343 (D-Allen), California’s “chasing arrows” law, CGA and other named plaintiffs have asked a federal judge to amend their case to include SB 54 (D-Allen). Concerning the update to its legal case against the State of California, the California League of Food Producers coalition released the following statement:
“Our concern with SB 54 is that it requires major packaging changes without always accounting for how food products and processing facilities can realistically adapt,” the California League of Food Producers said in a statement Thursday. “We support reducing packaging waste, but the rules need to protect food safety, keep products available and affordable, and give food producers a practical path forward.”
Back in July, U.S. District Court Judge William Q. Hayes granted a preliminary injunction against SB 343. The state’s “Truth-in Recycling” law, SB 343, had been due to go into effect Oct. 4, but Judge Hayes ruled the food industry’s legal challenge would likely succeed on free-speech grounds. This is important because SB 343 creates recyclability definitions used by SB 54 to determine the amounts of recyclable content in packaging products.
The Association has released the following statement about SB 54’s impacts on the industry and its customers:
“Grocers see firsthand how higher costs throughout the supply chain eventually reach families at the checkout line. California stores carry thousands of food, beverage, and household products, each with different packaging and suppliers. SB 54 adds new costs and impossible mandates across that system at a time when many families are already struggling with grocery bills. California can improve recycling without putting additional pressure on access to affordable food and everyday essentials.”
Separately, 17 Republican states have also filed lawsuits against SB 54, as have environmental advocates who believe regulatory exemptions undermine the law’s original intent. In August, an Oregon federal judge upheld the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility law after it was brought to court by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.