Full Breakdown
California Enacts PFAS Pesticide Tracking Law
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1603, mandating the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify and publicly disclose the use of agricultural pesticides that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The law requires a searchable public database and obliges the department to report statewide use trends by 2028.
Background and Legislative Evolution
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are used in products ranging from water-repellent clothing to non-stick cookware and have been linked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cancer, high cholesterol, and immune-system effects. California produces nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts, making pesticide transparency especially consequential.
An earlier version of the bill, championed by state-senator Nick Schultz, would have barred state regulators from approving new PFAS-containing pesticides. Farm groups opposed that approach, prompting a scaled-back version that focuses on tracking rather than banning. The legislation also adopts a broader international definition of PFAS than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which currently recognizes only chemicals with at least two fully fluorinated carbon atoms.
Official Statements & Responses
Varun Subramaniam, a science analyst with the EWG, called the law “a very important first step,” noting that it will identify more PFAS pesticides than the EPA currently does.
Verbatim Quote
- “This will give the state the opportunity to start analyzing what's being used, applied where, and how to move forward to get rid of it,” — Monica Amarelo, Vice President of Media Relations, Environmental Working Group
Implications
The law follows EPA data showing approval of 70 PFAS-containing pesticides and an independent analysis estimating 2.5 million pounds of PFAS active ingredient applied to California crops each year. By making this information publicly accessible, the state aims to inform farmers, consumers, and policymakers about chemical exposures and to lay groundwork for potential future regulatory actions.