Newsom's Veto of PFAS Ban in California Exposes Millions to Toxic Chemicals

Strategic Insights -

California's Governor Gavin Newsom has faced criticism from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for vetoing Senate Bill 682, which aimed to ban the use of PFAS in consumer products such as cookware, cleaning products, and dental floss. This decision leaves millions of Californians exposed to the dangers of these "forever chemicals," which have been linked to cancer, immune system harm, reproductive and developmental problems, and reduced vaccine effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senate Bill 682, authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), aimed to ban PFAS in cookware, cleaning products, and other household items, but was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 15.
  • The veto puts millions of Californians at risk of exposure to toxic PFAS, which are linked to serious health problems.
  • The Environmental Working Group claims that the veto ignores calls from public health and environmental advocacy organizations, celebrity chefs, and local government agencies.
  • Other states, including Colorado, Connecticut, and Minnesota, have already banned PFAS in consumer products.
  • The veto will shift the costs of cleaning up PFAS contamination of tap water to consumers, rather than addressing the source of pollution.
  • Removing PFAS from drinking water requires expensive treatment technologies, which water utilities must install, with costs ultimately passed on to consumers.
  • The Environmental Working Group estimates that millions of Americans safely cook without PFAS pots and pans, which are available, cook well, and are affordable.

Statistics:

  • PFAS contamination in drinking water is one of the most widespread and dangerous routes of exposure in California.
  • 1 in 10 people in California have PFAS in their drinking water (Source: EWG).
  • The cost of cleaning up PFAS contamination in tap water is estimated to be millions of dollars (Source: Legis.org).
  • Senate Bill 682 aimed to ban PFAS from 12 different products, including cookware, cleaning products, and dental floss (Source: Cal Advocates).

Sources:

  • Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/10/newsoms-veto-pfas-ban-cookware-other-products-puts-millions
  • Senate Bill 682: https://legiscan.com/CA/bill/SB0682/
  • Cal Advocates: https://caladvocates.org/2024/06/17/assembly-introduces-legislation-to-ban-pfas-in-consumer-products/
  • EWG California Legislative Director Susan Little: "Californians deserve protection from toxic PFAS in the products they use to cook, clean and care for their families."