Lawmaker seeks to repeal state plastic bag ban

A freshman lawmaker is pushing for legislation that calls to repeal the state’s plastic bag ban. California made history by becoming the first state in the country to ban plastic bags at grocery stores.

The plastic ban is set to go into effect in July of this year.

Two pieces of legislation aim to repeal the ban. One bill calls to repeal the 10-cents fee on paper bags which is part of the new law. And another piece of legislation calls to repeal the plastic bag ban.

Supporters of the bill argue conservation is good but government should not get involved in how taxpayers should conserve.

Republican assembly member Matthew Harper of Costa Mesa is the author of the new legislation. He says, “There’s a big difference between encouraging people to do something. And then compelling them to do so with the force of government. And that’s the big difference between what’s happening with the legislation and what’s been happening in our culture.” Harper continues, “If you go to Trader Joes, do they offer plastic bags? No. Do you go to Whole Foods? Do they offer plastic bags? No. If you go to Costco, do they offer plastic bags? No. My thing is that retailers should be able to make the decision themselves.”

In addition to the bills, a referendum effort is underway to repeal the plastic bag ban.

Proponents of the bag ban say Harper’s bill cannot be taken up while the referendum is pending, so they see the measure as strictly symbolic.