Washington State Bag Bill
In January 2012 Washington State State Representatives Fitzgibbon, Liias, Pedersen, Pollet, Carlyle, Reykdal, Moscoso, and Jinkins introduced HB 2404, a measure that would additionally place a 5-cent fee on paper bags handed out at retailers and also ban the use of plastic and compostable plastic bags. The six Surfrider Foundation Chapters in Washington are working to raise awareness about the importance of a statewide bill along with drumming up public and business support. A state bill reduces the use of disposable checkout bags in a manner that is consistent for retailers and consumers statewide. It promotes the use of reusable bags, bans plastic checkout bags and requires retailers to charge $.05 for paper checkout bags. The bill ended up stalling in committee and won't be voted on in 2012. It's not dead but more education and outreach is needed so that lawmakers see the importance and benefits of a plastic bag bill.
- Chapter:
- State: WA
- Country: USA
- Theme: Rise Above Plastics
- Launch Date: January 09 2012
- Completion Date: Ongoing
Abigail McCarthy abigail.mccarthy@gmail.com
