In a move that has sparked both praise and criticism, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1053 into law on September 24, 2024. This legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to eliminate all plastic bags from grocery store checkouts across the state. As an experienced journalist who has witnessed decades of environmental policies, I find myself pondering whether this latest measure truly addresses the core issues of plastic pollution or simply adds another layer of regulation to an already complex problem. The Evolution of California’s Plastic Bag Policies California’s journey to reduce plastic bag usage … Continue reading California’s Plastic Bag Ban Under SB 1053 Faces 2026 Rollout Amid Growing Plastic Waste, Pollution, and Recycling Challenges at Grocery Stores