Montana AG joins lawsuit against Cal’s single-use plastics law

Seventeen Republican attorneys general have sued California over a plastics law, citing nationwide cost concerns.

Led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, the group challenges California’s Plastics Act in federal court, arguing it oversteps constitutional bounds by imposing local policies on other states. This suit highlights the increasing tension between state-level environmental regulations and interstate commerce.

California’s law mandates a 25% reduction in single-use plastics and requires all packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. The state appointed the Circular Action Alliance, a nonprofit, to help develop, administer, and implement the law. Plaintiffs claim the measure will cause “steep and persistent price increases” for consumers beyond California’s borders and argue it violates the Commerce Clause by interfering with interstate commerce.

Environmental advocacy groups also sued California earlier this month, contending the regulations have loopholes, though their case differs in focus.

Montana’s attorney general joined the lawsuit and the implications for Montana businesses could potentially be significant.

Montana AG joins lawsuit against Cal’s single-use plastics law
By The Missoula Current News – Daily News in Missoula Montana