Governor Gavin Newsom is considering a landmark bill to ban PFAS 'forever chemicals' in cookware, facing intense lobbying from industry and advocacy from celebrity chefs. His decision is being closely watched as a key environmental test amid speculation about a potential presidential run.
Oct 3, 2025
Source:
Vox
Decision on Newsom's Desk
California Governor Gavin Newsom faces a critical decision on a bill that would ban the sale of cookware containing PFAS, widely known as “forever chemicals.” The legislation, passed by the state legislature, places him at the center of a debate between public health and industry interests.
A Bill Targeting 'Forever Chemicals'
The proposed ban targets per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals used to create non-stick surfaces on pots and pans. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these chemicals are extremely persistent in the environment and the human body.
This bill is part of a broader push in California to regulate these toxic substances, following earlier legislative efforts to remove them from food packaging.
Competing Voices
The pressure on Governor Newsom is coming from multiple directions. Industry groups are lobbying against the bill, citing concerns about manufacturing costs and the viability of alternatives. On the other side, a coalition of celebrity chefs, public health advocates, and environmental groups is urging him to sign it into law, emphasizing the need to protect consumers from chemical exposure.
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Source:
KQED
Health Concerns and Political Stakes
The debate over the cookware ban is amplified by growing awareness of the health risks associated with PFAS and Governor Newsom's own political ambitions.
The Dangers of PFAS
Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of serious health problems. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports potential links to:
Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
Damage to the immune system
Increased cholesterol levels
Adverse developmental effects in infants
These documented risks form the core argument for advocates of the ban, who claim the chemicals pose an unacceptable danger in products used for daily cooking.
A National Litmus Test
With speculation of a potential presidential run, Governor Newsom's decision is being framed as a test of his environmental commitments. California often leads the nation in environmental regulation, and his action on this bill could signal his policy priorities to a national Democratic electorate. A signature would align him with the progressive environmental wing of the party, while a veto could draw significant criticism.
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Source:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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