UPDATE: AB 2071 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29. Thank you for your support.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger       
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
VIA FAX: 916-558-3160

RE: SB 2071 – Plastic Labelling Enforcement – Support

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

I/We are writing to urge you to sign AB 2071 (Karnette) into law.

AB 2071 will add enforcement language to existing statute requiring truthful environmental marketing claims on plastic bags.  Currently, plastic bag manufacturers are prohibited from claiming their bags are compostable unless they meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.  Some plastic manufacturers, however, are still falsely claiming that their products are “biodegradable,” even though they do not meet ASTM standards.

Composting is an important way for local governments to increase their landfill diversion rates.  However, collection facilities rely on bag labeling to properly sort compostable bags from noncompostable, petroleum-based bags.

Petroleum-based plastic bags exist in the market today that claim to be “biodegradable” through the use of specific additives.  These bags, however, do no meet ASTM standards for compostability.  In fact, studies commissioned by the California Integrated Waste Management Board show that these bags do not compost or biodegrade at all.

These bags are not only a contaminant at composting facilities, but they also confuse consumers.  Many falsely claim to “biodegrade” in the marine environment or landfill.  These false claims exacerbate the problem of plastic marine debris pollution by giving consumers the impression that it is environmentally acceptable to litter their products.  Plastic marine debris pollution is a serious problem that has already potentially cost local governments billions.  It is extremely important that the State require truthful advertising of sensitive environmental claims.

Sincerely,