Governor Newsom caves to the plastic industry, vetoes SB 1180, a bill that would have guaranteed funding for environmental justice communities
Governor Newsom vetoed SB 1180 on September 20, 2026. Members of the Environmental Justice Communities Against Plastic (ECJAP) Coalition include Black Women for Wellness, Valley Improvement Projects, Pacoima Beautiful, Just Transition Alliance, and PSR-LA.
Sacramento, Calif. — Much to the disappointment of environmental justice advocates, Governor Newsom has vetoed SB 1180. This is a missed opportunity to meaningfully address the public health harms of plastic pollution and prioritize the needs of environmental justice communities. SB 1180 would have provided greater clarity and established an environmental justice framework for administering the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund (PPMF).
According to existing law, PPMF funds are set to be appropriated in the 2027-2028 California Budget. SB 1180 was a critical opportunity for the Legislature to focus spending on the needs and solutions of environmental justice communities, Indigenous Peoples, and workers. Without the clear guidelines provided in SB 1180, the Legislature will be forced into a passive, responsive stance to the Governor's proposals for PPMF spending.
EJ communities, Indigenous Peoples, and waste workers deserve better and must be centered in efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.
Members of the ECJAP coalition responded to the veto:
“While the bill was vetoed, our coalition remains committed to elevating our priorities and fighting to protect those most harmed by the lifecycle of plastic. We are proud of EJCAP and our allies’ work to develop SB 1180, advance our vision and priorities for the PPMF, and build meaningful relationships throughout the process.”
Press Contact: Mithzy Hernandez mhernandez@psr-la.org
