Dive Summary:

• The second biggest city in the U.S., Los Angeles has banned plastic bags, with Chicago and New York City looking to do the same.
• The plastic bag industry is opposing the bans vigorously, arguing that the bans will have consequences such as reduced employment within the industry.
• Environmental groups are hoping banning plastic bags in cities like LA will alter trends in other cities to do the same while plastic bag manufacturers say there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that plastic bags are harmful to animals and the planet.

From the article:

“As businesspeople, the grocers want to have uniformity... From a supply-chain perspective, it’s a hassle to have a patchwork of local laws. It’s our hope this will have a domino effect."

"Chicago's plan, which would take effect four months after adoption, may come up for a vote this summer..."

"A statewide plastic-bag ban for California fell short in the Senate in May."