Ban the bag? Bill would outlaw plastic sacks
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A bill to ban plastic bags at checkout in Oregon — the first statewide ban in the nation if it passes — is alive in the Legislature after all.
Senate President Peter Courtney issued a statement Tuesday saying he remains open to the bill introduced by Portland Democrat Mark Hass and Central Point Republican Jason Atkinson.
Asked about the bill at a news conference Monday, Courtney had indicated the bill was going nowhere. But his latest word on the issue says the "door is open" if sponsors can find a "path together" with industry.
The bill is still considered a long shot, but is getting a hearing. | What do you think? Take our online poll
The bill would still allow paper bags at retail stores at checkout. While cities have banned plastic bags, no state has.
Earlier report
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon legislator wants to ban single-use plastic bags from the state's checkout stands.
The measure being led by Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, would still allow paper sacks, but is aimed at getting people to use reusable bags.
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Hass tells The Oregonian that plastic bags contribute to litter, are hard to recycle, hurt marine life and are made from fossil fuels.
His bill is considered a long shot in the monthlong session that began Monday.
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press)
