ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL BLOGS

LIMITED STYROFOAM BAN PROPOSED FOR CALIFORNIA

     As previously Posted (see "CATEGORIES", "Styrofoam" on right-hand side of page) various local jurisdictions in California have imposed a ban on Styrofoam food packaging.  At the State level in California, there appears to be only one such similar piece of legislation pending in the current session; and the proposed ban is much more limited than the existing local legislation.

     AB 820 (Asemb. Kernette, D-54th District, Long Beach and environs) would, effective January 1, 2009, ban State facilities from selling, possessing or distributing expanded polystyrene food containers, with certain exceptions (i.e., the University of California, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Mental Health could all, under varying conditions prescribed in the legislation, decide not to sign on to the ban).

     The limited proposed ban may be influenced by the fact that the California Waste Management Board, in a 2004 study requested by the Legislature, questioned the efficacy of imposing the ban at all.  Moreover, it's not clear that this legislation is going anywhere soon, because the State Assembly website says it is being held in Committee "under submission".

     For an analysis of the bill, go to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations Internet site.

CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA CONSIDERS STYROFOAM BAN

     The City, which recently gained national noteriety for an anti-smoking ordinance, now is considering legislation to ban restaurants and City contractors from dispensing beverages in Styrofoam cups (not biodegradable, etcetera).  You can read the Staff Report (and related documents) regarding the possible legislation at City of Calabasas website (item 3 of tonight's City Council Agenda), referring to Styrofoam by its more arcane name "Polystyrene").

     Of course, in the "grass is always greener" or "you don't really want what you wish for" mode, this Blog points out (another cliche) the law of unintended consequences.  What would substitute for Styrofoam?  Plastic?  Say no more.

     What about good ol' paper?  Well, have you ever noticed that you usually need at least two paper cups to insulate your coffee instead of the single cup of (better insulated) Styrofoam?  There go the forests.  Plus, the poor insulating qualities of paper cups may lead to more personal injuries from consumers spilling the beverage in reaction to the hot liquid inside.

     Stay tuned.