CA SB665

Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency to establish a working group by January 1, 2025, comprised of six state agencies to evaluate novel plastic and plastic-alternative materials used in single-use products.

Working group must develop a science-based framework by July 1, 2026, to assess environmental and health impacts of new materials across their full life cycle, including production, distribution, and end-of-life properties.

Framework must enable comparative analysis of novel materials against fossil fuel-based plastics, paper, and natural materials (bamboo, sugar cane, agave, pasta), evaluating factors like greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, microplastics formation, and impacts on disadvantaged communities.

Working group shall develop recommendations for scientific testing standards, marketing and labeling requirements, end-of-life handling, and integration with existing state policies and regulations for novel materials.

All provisions sunset and are repealed on January 1, 2029.