The California Legislature’s 2025 session began on January 6 and is scheduled to adjourn on September 13. As always, Surfrider's California staff is engaging with our state legislators on proposed legislative bills. One of the most pivotal moments in any session is when bills with financial impacts hit the “suspense file” — a process in which the Appropriations Committee reviews all bills expected to have a financial impact of at least $50,000. Of the bills that land in suspense, about one-third on average don't make it out the other side, meaning they're considered dead for this session.
Unfortunately, after the May 23 deadline, that status applies to three bills we supported: "Leash the Lid," a ban on disposable vapes, and an effort to establish surf reserves. While disappointed, we nonetheless have five bills we support – and one we oppose! – moving forward, including efforts to protect our shoreline against coastal armoring, raising money to help solve the pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Valley, increasing housing in the Coastal Zone, and getting microplastics out of our personal care products.
Track all these bills on our regularly updated California Legislation Tracker page! Keep up with the latest on what’s moving and what’s not – and stay tuned for opportunities to make your voice heard!
In Other Legislative News: Concerns Over SB 54 Implementation
SB 54, passed in 2022, was a landmark bill aimed at transforming how California deals with plastic packaging. Its key goals by 2032 are:
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📉 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging and foodware
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♻️ 65% recycling of these items
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✅ 100% of packaging to be recyclable or compostable
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💰 $5 billion in fees from plastic producers over 10 years
But progress has stalled. In March, Governor Newsom rejected draft regulations submitted by CalRecycle, restarting the rulemaking process.
Key Issues with the New Draft:
- "Chemical recycling" loopholes that misrepresent disposal as recycling
- Broad exemptions that allow entire product sectors to sidestep regulations
- Weak standards for reuse and refill programs, risking a repeat of the thicker plastic bag problem
Surfrider, along with members of the Break Free From Plastic movement, is urging state officials to enforce the law properly, tighten definitions, and avoid industry self-policing.
Polystyrene Foam Ban Still Not Enforced
Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, SB 54 banned polystyrene foam foodware unless producers can prove a 25% recycling rate. That threshold has not been met — recycling rates remain closer to 1%. Despite the law, foam containers remain on store shelves and online.
Surfrider joined over 90 organizations — including Beyond Plastics, Californians Against Waste, and California Nurses for Environmental Health and Justice — in calling on Governor Newsom to enforce the ban and hold violators accountable.