New Bill Would Allow Local Governments to Ban Plastic Bags
A new bill would allow Michigan communities to ban the use of plastic bags.
The bill, which is being introduced by Sen. Jeff Irwin, would allow local communities to implement plastic bag bans or impose a fee, charge or tax on select containers.
Right now, the Michigan law doesn’t allow for any bans on plastic bags.
“Plastic bags are a pervasive form of pollution and litter in our communities,” Irwin said in a statement. “Other communities have shown success in keeping trash off their roads, beautifying their communities, and keeping this trash out of their rivers and streams by introducing limits, deposits, or other creative ideas to improve plastic bag recycling. This bill is designed to do that.”
Plastic bags, of course, can end up in bodies of water, including the Great Lakes.
“As the Great Lakes State, we hold the responsibility to ensure that our lakes and rivers are protected from pollution caused by plastic bags. This legislation will restore our local governments’ ability to protect and beautify our state,” Irwin said.
He added, “Local leaders are closest to our roads, parks, and waterways. They need this tool to fight litter in our communities, and we should be able to provide this to them.”
