California Governor Gavin Newsome vetoed SB 1066, a bill that would have created an extended producer responsibility plan for pyrotechnic marine flares, including smoke flares and hand flares that would have reduced the availability of safety products in the California market.

In his veto letter, Governor Newsom stated that the bill “[…]lacks a comprehensive program scope to effectively achieve the goal of protecting human and environmental health[…]” Across the country, 61 percent of boat owners have an annual household income of $75,000 or less and this bill would have increased the price of pyrotechnic marine flares, impacting the choices that are made when purchasing this required safety equipment. With over 600 letters sent to California legislators, California boaters voiced their concerns over this legislation.