A Senate committee has passed a measure (that we wrote about earlier this week HERE) that would allow for pilot programs in some local governments to prohibit the use of plastic bags.
The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee unanimously approved the bill. However, it was amended to apply only to communities on the coast.
The bill does not ban plastic bags, it simply allows communities the right to do so on their own, which was not permitted under state law.
Supporters of the bill believe plastic bags are harmful to the environment and lead to animal deaths. Turtles often mistake them for jellyfish and plastic bags do not readily decompose.
Opponents of the bill include the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Retail Federation.
The bill is now in the hands of two Senate committees and must be heard by the House.
You can read more about the bill, HERE.
Was hoping for more but this is a good start.
Yay!!!
Great!
Yes! We need this bill so badly!!
This is outstanding! Eliminate plastic and styrofoams!