California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a proposed bill aiming to prohibit “forever chemicals” in cookware and various other products within the state.

This legislation sparked significant debate in California, drawing opposition from celebrity chefs who argued against the cookware restrictions, while environmental and health advocates pushed for its enactment.

The bill sought to ban the sale of cleaning products, dental floss, children’s items, food packaging, and ski wax containing these chemicals by 2028, with a separate deadline of 2030 for cookware.

Although the proposed bans were specific to California, the state’s large market size means its regulations often impact manufacturing decisions nationwide.

In his veto message on Monday, Governor Newsom expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on the affordability of cookware should the ban take effect.

“The broad range of products that would be impacted by this bill would result in a sizable and rapid shift in cooking products available to Californians,” the likely 2028 presidential hopeful wrote.

“I appreciate efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers, and while this bill is well-intentioned, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options,” he added.

However, proponents of the bill say the veto will result in more exposure to toxic chemicals. 

“By vetoing SB 682, Governor Newsom failed to protect Californians and our drinking water from toxic forever chemicals,” said Anna Reade, director of PFAS advocacy with the Natural Resources Defense Council, in a written statement. 

“It’s unfortunate that misinformation and greed by some in the cookware industry tanked this policy,”  Reade added.

Forever chemicals are the nickname of a group of chemicals called PFAS that have been used in a wide variety of everyday products, including those that are nonstick or waterproof.

Exposure to them has been linked to prostate, kidney and testicular cancer, as well as immune system and fertility issues. 

They can persist for decades in the environment instead of breaking down and have become pervasive in U.S. waterways, tap water and human beings.

California has historically been a relatively aggressive state in terms of environmental and product regulations for example, requiring that products containing certain chemicals contain warning labels.

However, several other states have already banned PFAS in cookware and other products.