N.J. Senate Committee Takes First Step to Ban Plastic

A bill that would impose a statewide ban on plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam containers and plastic straws was approved this week by a Senate committee in New Jersey.

The bill would ban everyday plastic items and impose a 10 cent fee on paper bags at grocery stores. Environmental groups lauded the measure, but business groups opposed the bill, saying it would hurt consumers.

This is the first legislative move on the bill. It still has to go to the Senate Appropriations Committee and eventually to Senate President Steve Sweeney for consideration, as well as to the state Assembly.

NorthJersey.com has more details:

A bill that would impose the strongest statewide ban on everyday plastic products in the nation was approved by a Senate committee on Thursday.

The measure would ban plastic grocery store bags, Styrofoam food containers and plastic straws all of which are often found in beach and riverfront cleanups across the state. It would also impose a 10-cent fee on paper bags at grocery stores.

“It requires New Jersey citizens to change their lifestyle,” said Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, the sponsor of the bill and chairman of the Senate environment committee.

Read the full article here.