California Environmental Law Update: Key Legislative and Regulatory Updates To Track in 2026
California enacted a wide-ranging slate of environmental and climate legislation in 2025 and in prior years, with many of the resulting requirements taking effect in 2026 that will impact companies operating in or doing business with the state. These developments span climate disclosure and financial reporting, greenhouse gas regulation, energy and fuel markets, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform, and public health and safety standards. The below roundup highlights a collection of key new statutes and regulatory changes that the industry should be tracking now to assess compliance obligations and strategic planning considerations heading into 2026 and future years.
SB 54 Regulations Public Comment Period Open Until June 3, 2025
CalRecycle has released amendments to the proposed regulations implementing California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) and published its Report to the Legislature describing the program’s broader implementation. CalRecycle is accepting public comments on the proposed changes to the regulations through tomorrow, June 3, 2025.
