Gavin Newsom’s veto on bill to ban Pfas hands industry a win, advocates fear

California Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to veto a bill that would have banned the sale of cookware and other consumer products made with toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" has dealt a significant blow to advocates fighting for greater regulation of these pollutants. The move, which was widely seen as a victory for industry interests, may slow or even kill similar legislation in other states, where PFAS are already being phased out.

Critics argue that the veto hands the industry a new weapon to use in battles over PFAS in other states, and that Newsom's reasoning is flawed. Clean Water Action, which lobbied for the bill, described the veto as a "blow" to momentum building towards removing PFAS from these products nationwide.

The decision followed intense pressure from the cookware lobby, including from celebrity chefs with financial stakes in selling PFS pans. However, public health advocates remain optimistic that the broader shift in public opinion, driven by growing awareness of the risks posed by PFAS, will ultimately drive change. Stores like Target are already phasing out cookware containing PFAS, and the public is increasingly demanding action to address this issue.

Gretchen Salter, policy director for Safer States, notes that while the veto may have won this round, it failed in other states where similar legislation was supported by lawmakers who represented their constituents. "If lawmakers represent their constituents then they'll pass a ban, and if they represent billion-dollar companies then they will oppose it," she said.

The decision offers some insight into how a potential President Newsom would approach environmental and toxic chemical issues. However, advocates are already regrouping and exploring next steps to push forward with their efforts. As Anna Reade, director of PFAS advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council, notes, "the veto was not reflective of the diverse support" in California that included water industry representatives, sewage treatment professionals, firefighters, independent scientists, and public health advocates.

Despite the setback, there is a sense that momentum is building towards greater regulation of PFAS. As Salter puts it, "Pfas is on the way out because consumers are demanding it." Whether this demand translates into legislative action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight against PFAS is far from over.

I'm so done with California's governor and his corporate buddies . I mean, come on, who needs "industry interests" more than people's lives? Newsom thinks he's got a big win here, but really he's just giving the green light to companies that want to keep us poisoning ourselves for profit . And now he's going to go on tour with his veto, trying to convince other states to follow suit... good luck with that .

I'm telling you, this is exactly what happens when you let special interests run wild . We need someone who represents the people, not just the fat cats . And let's be real, Newsom's whole "public health advocates" thing is just a PR stunt . He's got his own agenda and it's all about keeping those dollars rolling in .

But you know what? I still have faith in the people . We're not going to give up on this fight without a fight . Target's already doing their part, and we've got other states like New York and Massachusetts that are already banning PFAS in cookware . It's time for California to get its act together .

I'm so about this news! California Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to veto that bill was a big for people who want to get rid of those toxic "forever chemicals" in cookware and other products. It's like, come on! The industry is just trying to their way out of this issue. But honestly, I think the public is starting to wake up and demand change . Stores like Target are already making changes, and people are getting more and more about PFAS. It's only a matter of time before lawmakers listen up . The veto might be a setback, but it's not going to stop us . We'll just keep fighting until we get the change we want!

I was kinda bummed when I heard the news about Gavin Newsom vetoing that bill to ban PFAS in California cookware . I've been using non-stick pans for ages and I didn't think twice about the chemicals in them, but now I'm like "wait, what's really going on here?" . It feels like the industry is getting a free pass just because of all the cash they're throwing around .

I mean, I get that clean water action stuff is super important, and we do need to protect our health . But it's not just about some giant companies making more money – it's about keeping our families safe . And yeah, I know public opinion is shifting in the right direction, but sometimes it takes a bit more pressure before lawmakers start listening .

Still, I'm hopeful that all this attention will keep pushing for change . Maybe we'll see some states make their own moves on banning PFAS soon?

I gotta say, Gavin Newsom's veto decision on that PFAS bill was a major bummer for environmentalists . I mean, come on, "forever chemicals" are basically toxic waste and we know it already . And now, this veto is gonna make it harder to get similar laws passed in other states? That's just not right .

I'm loving how the public is slowly but surely coming around to the idea that PFAS need to go . Stores like Target are already jumping on the bandwagon and consumers are demanding more action . It's all about awareness, right? And Newsom's reasoning for vetoing the bill? Please, it sounds like some weak attempt to placate industry interests .

The thing is, we can't just let big companies push us around on this one . We need real action, not just a bunch of empty promises . And with politicians like Newsom who are more worried about lining their own pockets than serving the people... it's just sad .

I'm not surprised that Gavin Newsom vetoed that bill . It's like he's got his hand up in the air, saying "hold on, let industry figure this out". Meanwhile, public health advocates are over here like "duh, we've been trying to tell you about PFAS for ages! " And don't even get me started on the celebrity chefs ... I mean, what's up with those guys?

It's not all doom and gloom though . The fact that stores like Target are already phasing out cookware containing PFAS is a good sign . Plus, public opinion seems to be shifting in favor of greater regulation . So, even if California takes a step back, maybe the momentum will just keep building . We'll see how this all plays out

This veto is such a bummer . The public wants change and stores like Target already started phasing out cookware with toxic chemicals . I feel like Gavin Newsom is playing it too safe . Industry interests are basically being let off the hook , which isn't cool .

Clean Water Action's loss is kinda sad , but there's still hope . The public is becoming more aware of PFAS risks and that's driving change . We just need to keep pushing for better regulations .

The thing that got me was Anna Reade saying the veto wasn't representative of the diverse support in California . That's so true . It shows there are people on both sides who care about this issue .

I'm still optimistic about a future where PFAS is banned . We just need to keep fighting for it .

So newsom vetoes that bill and now industry can just use it as an excuse to screw other states... like they need a 'veto' to know better than the general public? Anyway, it's not like california is super original or anything... other states are already on track to ban PFAS so who cares what newsom does?

This veto decision is just a major setback for people fighting against those nasty 'forever chemicals' . I mean, come on Gavin Newsom, you're supposed to be protecting our health and wellbeing not helping out the cookware industry's bottom line . The fact that celebrity chefs are getting involved shows just how deep this issue runs – we can't afford to let corporate interests override public health concerns .

I'm actually kind of encouraged by Target already taking steps to remove PFAS from their products . It's clear that some people in power are starting to listen, and as long as there's a growing awareness of the risks associated with these chemicals , we'll keep pushing for change until it happens .

It's not like this is going away, folks – PFAS need to go . We just need to keep building momentum and supporting our advocates . Who knows what next steps will be taken? But one thing's for sure: I'm not giving up on this fight

omg i'm so disappointed in ca governor newsom , he's literally giving a free pass to those toxic companies that have been poisoning our planet for years! the fact that the industry lobby was able to pressure him into vetoing this bill is just insane and now it's gonna be super hard to get similar legislation passed in other states. but i'm not giving up hope we need to keep pushing forward and educate more people about the risks of PFAS, because if consumers don't demand change then who will? target has already started phasing out cookware with PFAS so it's clear that there is a shift happening and we just need to keep the momentum going!