Prohibiting Local Ordinances From Banning Plastic Bags

A proposal that would prohibit local governments from taxing or banning merchants from distributing plastic bags came before the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee Tuesday, March 7. Sponsored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, the bill establishes a plastic bag recycling grant program to help local governments establish recycling efforts.

Steve Rush of Holiday Stores spoke in support of the measure. "Along with the expense of expensive employment mandates, such as paid sick leave, the accumulative effect of these regulations make it more difficult for us to operate a successful business."

Speaking against the measure, Megan Kuhl-Stennes of Eureka Recycling said, "Collectively we need to stop using these products that litter our streets and waterways and expose us to toxins and carcinogens that never should have been used in the first place."

Senator Ingebrigtsen said efforts to keep the plastic bags out of the environment is up to the individual, and a city-by-city ban is not the way to proceed.