CONTACTS:
Erika Wilhelm, erika@bcpp.org, 415.539.5005
For Immediate Release: October 14, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA – Over the weekend Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed two bills that Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and our allies cosponsored in the California legislature.
AB 823, the Protecting Californians from Toxic Plastic Microbeads Act, authored by Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner (D-San Diego), would have banned intentionally added microplastics used for abrasive purposes in cleaning products and personal care and beauty products. It would also have banned plastic glitter in cosmetics and personal care products.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom stated his concern that the bill’s approach might “incidentally result in a prohibition on biodegradable or natural alternatives”.
The design of this bill is not to prohibit biodegradable or natural materials, but to phase out a specific class of persistent synthetic microplastics. It builds on an earlier ban on rinse-off microbeads (enacted in 2015 / effective 2020) — so it’s not a radical new concept but an extension into leave-on products and cleaning supplies. The Governor’s veto should not rest on a vague hypothetical.
“Despite unanimous bipartisan support in the Senate, Governor Newsom regrettably vetoed AB 823 — a missed opportunity to lead on eliminating toxic microplastics from everyday products,” said Nancy Buermeyer, Director of Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Californians — and the nation — are looking for leadership on environmental health. This setback is disappointing, but our fight to protect public health and prevent diseases like breast cancer is far from over.”
SB 682, the Phasing Out Unnecessary Uses of “Forever Chemicals” Act, authored by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), would have phased out the use of toxic PFAS in six consumer product categories that have already been acted on in several other states – cookware, cleaning products, dental floss, ski wax, food packaging, and juvenile products.
In this veto statement on SB 682, Governor Newsom cited that he was “deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products.”
However, the bill’s design, existing California law, national health guidance, and other states’ experience all undercut that concern.
“We are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom chose to veto SB 682 instead of standing up for the health of millions of Californians,” said Suzanne Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “For decades, the chemical industry buried the truth about PFAS toxicity, and it is deeply unfortunate that in California, public health will continue to take a back seat to corporate profits. The concern articulated in the veto message that Californians will somehow lack “affordable options in cooking products” is demonstrably not true today and certainly would not be the case in five years when the phase out would have been complete. BCPP will continue to educate consumers about the dangers of using PFAS coated non-stick cookware and support other states across the country that have prioritized public health by acting to phase out these toxic chemicals.”
While the FDA has already overseen the phase-out of PFAS grease-proofing agents in food packaging because they can migrate into food; and the EPA has designated key PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) as hazardous substances due to links with serious health harms. It is reasonable—and prudent—to extend protections to cookware and other everyday products that can contribute to exposure. SB 682 advanced a phased, feasible transition that builds on existing California and other state policy as well as national health findings. The Governor should have signed it and directed agencies to implement it smartly rather than vetoing based on speculative market disruptions.
We wish Governor Newsom would have walked down the aisle of any Target or Walmart to see the vast array of safer, affordable PFAS-free options (stainless steel, cast iron, uncoated or ceramic-coated pans) before he acted on the bill.
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Breast Cancer Prevention Partners is the only national science-based policy and advocacy organization focused on preventing breast cancer by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals. www.bcpp.org
