Governor Gavin Newsom has officially enacted a new law that prohibits all plastic bags in grocery stores across California, including Santa Clarita.
The legislation, known as SB 1053, eliminates plastic bags as a checkout option for shoppers beginning January 1, 2026. Customers without reusable bags will have the option to purchase paper bags for a small fee, as outlined by state lawmakers.
This legislation follows several efforts to mitigate plastic waste in California. The original plastic bag ban, established by SB 270, permitted stores to sell thicker plastic bags deemed reusable and recyclable. However, these bags have not been significantly reused or recycled, leading to environmental issues.
State Senator Catherine Blakespear highlighted that studies show the average amount of plastic shopping bags discarded per person increased from 8 pounds in 2004 to 11 pounds in 2021.
Environmental organization Oceana expressed strong support for Newsom’s decision, emphasizing its potential to protect California’s coastline and sea life. Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director, stated that this new ban firmly positions California as a frontrunner in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.
In addition to California, twelve other states have implemented similar plastic bag bans. The California Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit focused on consumer rights, remarked that this new legislation fulfills the original intent of the 2014 plastic bag ban. Director Jenn Engstrom noted that plastic bags contribute to pollution and microplastics, which can contaminate drinking water and pose health risks. She indicated that while Californians voted to ban plastic grocery bags nearly a decade ago, it was clear that the law required revision.