NSAC Statement on Approval of California’s SB 54 Regulations

NSAC applauds OAL and CalRecycle and calls for cost-effective implementation that delivers real-world outcomes across the value chain

The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) applauds the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for its thorough review and approval of California’s SB 54 regulations, and we thank CalRecycle for its diligence in advancing this landmark policy from statute into action.

NSAC was engaged early in SB 54 policy development and negotiation through rulemaking, providing regular constructive comments and testimony to support a program that is both effective and cost-effective.

“Getting implementation right is just as important as passing the policy itself,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director/CEO of the National Stewardship Action Council. “This is where the environmental, public health, and economic benefits are either realized or lost and where cost-effective systems must be designed to work in practice.”

NSAC remains focused on supporting faithful implementation that delivers real-world outcomes. That includes advancing solutions that work in practice, strengthening responsible end markets, and ensuring systems are designed to be both impactful and cost-effective.

In partnership with the Stewardship Action Foundation, NSAC convenes national working groups that bring together interest holders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. These pre-competitive spaces are designed to share and synthesize information, surface challenges early, and support well-informed decision-making across the value chain.

“We look forward to working with CalRecycle, Circular Action Alliance (CAA), and other key interest holders across the value chain to support successful implementation,” said Sanborn.

NSAC invites producers, recyclers, local and state governments, and organizations to engage in the National Packaging/EPR Implementation Working Group, which is designed to move from policy into practice, ensuring these programs deliver meaningful, cost-effective results.

“The system we build now in California will define what is made, collected, and ReMade in America for decades to come,” Sanborn said.

About the National Stewardship Action Council   

The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) national nonprofit organization driving policy solutions for a circular economy.

For over a decade, NSAC has advanced landmark policies that unlock the economic and environmental value of waste as a resource. Working alongside nearly 50 member organizations and a nationwide network of 2,700+ individuals, NSAC convenes national working groups covering packaging, household hazardous waste, recycling refunds, textiles, boating flares and marine film, and illegal single-use print cartridges. These groups unite governments, businesses, nonprofits, and communities to design and implement effective stewardship systems across the United States.

Media Contact

Heath Nettles, Deputy Director

heath@nsaction.us | 910-995-0759