Balancing Sustainability and Economic Viability: Our Perspective on Senate Bill 54

At the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, our commitment to supporting AAPI-owned businesses means we must continuously engage with policies that impact our community’s economic landscape. Recently, we have been closely monitoring Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) regulations, a law aimed at driving California toward a circular economy by mandating that all single-use plastic packaging and food service ware be recyclable or compostable by 2032.

We wholeheartedly support the vision behind SB 54 regulations. A sustainable future is essential for our planet, and the goal of reducing waste through innovative practices is a step in the right direction. However, as highlighted in a recent article by the Sacramento Bee, the current regulatory framework proposed by CalRecycle presents significant challenges for businesses. The article notes that the agency’s implementation plan could impose a direct estimated cost of $36 billion over ten years, making it an annual burden of roughly $3.6 billion. Even more concerning is that 5,741 companies could face compliance costs as high as $790,248 per year, a financial strain that is unsustainable for many small and mid-sized businesses in our state.

Our stance has always been to advocate for a balanced approach—one that ensures environmental responsibility without undermining economic stability. We urge CalRecycle to refine their regulatory framework with data-driven insights that truly consider the challenges faced by small businesses. By doing so, we can develop a regulatory model that protects the environment and supports job creation, business growth, and community resilience.

We would also like to sincerely thank the Sacramento Bee for their comprehensive coverage of SB 54 regulations and our support for the law’s sustainable vision. Their thoughtful analysis brings much-needed attention to the critical balance between environmental progress and economic viability.

Additionally, we are grateful to the current administration for recognizing the substantial challenges small businesses face. Their decision to pause the rule-making process on SB 54 regulations shows a commendable commitment to working with all stakeholders to create a more manageable and effective policy framework.

As we continue to champion the interests of AAPI-owned businesses and other small enterprises throughout California, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our community’s economic future is as sustainable as it is prosperous. With thoughtful revisions and ongoing collaboration, we believe SB 54 regulations can become a model for how state policy can simultaneously drive environmental progress and economic empowerment.

With the support of our community, partners, and advocates, we will continue to break barriers and foster an inclusive and resilient economy for all Californians.