Statewide ban of plastic bags at grocery and other stores possible in upcoming senate vote

Posted: Aug 19, 2010 8:42 PM by Steve Adamson

Those plastic bags many of us carry out of grocery and other stores could soon be banned statewide when the senate votes on a bill known as AB 1998. The bill which the state assembly approved back in June would require shoppers who don't bring their own bags to stores to purchase paper bags. The bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley says the state spends 25 million dollars annually to collect and bury a portion of them. Californians use about 19 billion of those plastic bags each. "By passing AB 1998, Californians are signaling to the nation their commitment to wean themselves from a costly plastic and paper bag habit that is threatening marine life and spoiling the natural beauty of this state," Brownley said.

If passed by the senate, it would take effect in January 2012 for grocery stores and 2013 for convenience stores. Environment California was in Morro Bay on Thursday advocating the senate at a press conference to pass the bill when it comes up for a vote in about two weeks. As part of their campaign supporting the measure, they bring with them a 30 ft. inflatable turtle that goes on display in the cities where they take their message. "Well, the turtle is a tool to spread the awareness about the bill that's going to be voted on. Environment California supports this bill in part because of the intense damage that the plastic bags have on animals such as the Pacific Leatherback sea turtles," said Gina Goodhill from the group.

The bill, however, is opposed by the American Chemistry Council, an extension of the plastic industry. California Senior Director of State Affairs for the American Chemistry Council says, " We care about the environment and preventing marine debris. However, AB 1998 is not the right way to do it. A growing number organizations across the state, like the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce are opposing AB 1998 because this hidden tax will eliminate more than a thousand California jobs."

Other concerns cited by the group are that forcing consumers to pay five cents or more per paper bag adds up to about a billion dollar increase tacked onto grocery bills each year. Also, the bill would create more government bureaucracy whereas a 1.5 million dollar state plastics enforcement team would check on stores that might give out plastic bags....and allow them to fine stores and small business owners up to $10,000 if they give a customer a plastic bag.