AB 2071 (Karnette, 2007-08) Plastic Labelling Enforcement

Summary. 
Will give enforcement power to local governments to ensure accurate labelling of the compostablility of plastic products.

Position and Status
CAW Supports. AB 2071 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29. Previously, the bill passed an Assembly concurrence vote Aug 28 with a 76-1 vote, passed off the Senate Floor Aug 20 with a 24-11, passed out of the Sen. Judiciary committee June 24 with a 4-1 vote, was voted off the Assembly Floor May 19 with a 73-1 vote, passed out of Asm. Judiciary with a unanimous vote April 15 and passed out of Asm. Natural Resources April 7 with a unanimous vote.

Description.
Municipalities that have invested thousands in residential composting rely upon accurate labeling of plastic bag compostability. Currently, however, many plastic products are mislabeled as "compostable" or "biodegradable" even though they do not meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, as required by law. AB 2071 would give local governments authority to fine companies that mislabel their products.

CAW Staff Contacts.
Sue Vang ph: 916-443-5422 fx:916-443-3912

Current Actions.
No current actions for this bill.

Assembly Member Betty Karnette 
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Biodegradable Products Institute
California Film Extruders & Converters Association
Cereplast
Sierra Club California

Current Language, Analyses and Votes.

Additional Resources: