The Governor of New York, Andrew Como, announced that a piece of legislation will start banning the use of plastic bags throughout the state in January of next year. And more than a year ago, he signed a bill that cancelled the New York City The law levied a 5 cents surcharge on a one-time shopping bag, which he called a 'seriously flawed' municipal measure.
His statement issued at the press conference on April 23 stated that the bill echoed the views of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of the city council.
Como said: 'The hazards of plastic bags have a devastating effect on our streets, water resources and natural resources. We need to take action to protect our environment.' 'As an old saying goes: 'We did not inherit the earth.' We just borrowed the Earth from our children. 'And in this action, we are helping to leave a stronger, cleaner, greener New York for everyone.'
This ban will not apply to transparent plastic bags that pack meat, fish, vegetables or commodities, nor does it apply to synthetic bags.
Brooklyn City Councilman Brad Lander supports the city’s shopping bag levy bill. He has hope for the governor's proposal, but he is also skeptical.
'If the Governor of Como is really serious about reducing the billions of plastic bags New Yorkers send to the landfill every month, this will be good news,' Rand wrote on Twitter. 'But he announced today The news looks like Earth Day politics in the election year. '