Dive summary:
- The Illinois congress has finally shut down a bill that was expected to greatly reduce plastic bags in the waste stream by requiring plastic bag manufacturers to register with the state and retailers could only buy bags from registered companies.
- In addition, the registered companies would have to set up and run plastic recycling facilities in 90% of the state’s counties.
- Gov. Pat Quinn originally vetoed the bill, the legislature voted to overturn the decision but couldn’t gather enough votes, with many claiming the law was too restrictive and did not allow for cities to make their own decisions.
From the article:
“This bill is more restrictive on municipalities than any other plastic bag regulation in the country, which creates a roadblock for locals to choose policies that fit the needs of the area,” Quinn wrote.
The measure led to an odd political combination, in which manufacturers and retail merchants who use the bags embraced the bill, while many environmentalists opposed it.
Business groups prefer a statewide standard rather than a patchwork of different regulations.
“I’m extremely disappointed with the environmental groups,” Link said. “I think they sold the future down the river by killing this. They worked feverishly opposing the bill.” ...
