Stacey Halliday Speaks to Corporate Counsel on California Recyclability Law and Sustainability Compliance

Arnold & Porter Environmental partner Stacey Halliday was quoted in the Corporate Counsel article, “Ruling Blocking California Law Shows Headwinds for State Sustainability Measures,” which examines the federal court ruling temporarily blocking enforcement of a California law that would sharply restrict companies' ability to label packaging as recyclable and the broader implications for corporate sustainability compliance.

While the preliminary injunction provides companies with temporary relief from the law's requirements, Stacey cautioned that businesses should continue preparing for compliance because the law remains on the books and the injunction's duration is uncertain. "I think we're still in a holding pattern," she said. "I would not change compliance plans. I would proceed into that uncertainty assuming that compliance will be mandatory, understanding that there may be options down the line."

Stacey also noted that even if California's current law is ultimately struck down, companies should expect continued efforts to regulate recyclability claims. Restrictions could emerge through revised state legislation or at the federal level, where proposals have sought to bring greater consistency to the growing patchwork of state requirements.

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