Lobbyists trying to sack statewide plastic bag ban

Plastic bag manufacturers are making a last-ditch effort to block a proposed law that would ban single-use plastic bags statewide.

The bill passed an Assembly Committee last week and appeared to be headed for passage. But opponents have managed to delay a key vote, which could set up a renewed battle over the proposed ban.

The San Jose Mercury News reports the bag industry has spent more than $500,000 in lobbying fees and campaign donations in an effort to defeat the bill, which they call a “job killer.” Much of the cash has come from Hilex-Poly, a South Carolina Company that is one of the largest producers of plastic grocery bags nationwide.

Dozens of California cities – including Los Angeles – have already passed laws to phase out plastic bags because of the harm they cause to the environment.

The bill must pass both the House and Senate by August 31st to have a chance of becoming law during this legislative session.

Here are some pro and con arguments on the bag ban debate.