Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Sunday that will enforce a ban on all plastic shopping bags in California starting in 2026. This legislation eliminates the option for shoppers to choose between paper and plastic bags at grocery store checkout lines and aims to combat the increasing plastic waste that is damaging the environment. Previously, thin plastic shopping bags had already been banned in the state, but thicker plastic bags marketed as reusable and recyclable were still available for purchase.

State Senator Catherine Blakespear, a supporter of the bill, highlighted the misuse of plastic bags and the lack of recycling efforts, citing a state study that showed a rise in the amount of plastic bags discarded per person over the years. The ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkouts has been praised by environmental advocacy group Oceana, with their plastics campaign director, Christy Leavitt, commending California for taking a lead in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

California's statewide ban on plastic bags was initially passed by the Legislature in 2014 and later approved by voters in a 2016 referendum. The new law has been hailed as a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution and safeguarding the state's coastline, marine life, and communities from the detrimental effects of single-use plastic grocery bags. The California Public Interest Research Group expressed approval of the law, emphasizing the health risks associated with plastic bag pollution and the importance of the ban in protecting the environment.

With the finalization of this legislation, California is solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the fight against plastic pollution, joining the ranks of twelve other states that have implemented some form of plastic bag ban. This decision reflects years of advocacy and reinforces the state's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Governor Newsom's approval of the new law marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote a cleaner, healthier future for California and beyond.