Legislation proposes nationwide imposition of 10-cent tax on plastic bags

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): A group of House Democrats have extended support to a legislation that proposes nationwide implementation of 10-cent fees on plastic shopping bags. The bill proposed by Rep. Alan Lowenthal is being supported by other Democrats including Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Sam Farr, Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Barbara Lee and Rep. Ted Lieu.

According to them, some of the areas of the country have already started charging consumers for bags at retails shops with the aim of discouraging the use of plastic bags. The move has resulted in reduced waste in these areas. For example, Washington D.C and California charge people for use of plastic bags at grocery stores. Lowenthal noted that widespread use of plastic bags has led to serious environmental issues. They clog the landfills around the country and also pose threat to marine life. He added that it is now time to take action at the national level. He called upon people to reduce the use of plastic bags.

"Americans for the most part all agree that a clean environment is better for us as individuals and better not just for our children, but for all future generations," Lowenthal said. "Being sustainable today is an investment in a cleaner and healthier tomorrow."

The bill proposes supermarkets and retail outlets to charge a fee of 10 cents per plastic bag. The retailers that have a recycling program in place are allowed to keep 4 cents per bag to meet the expenses of the programme. The bill also outlines the criteria for recycling program to qualify under the bill. The funds thus raised would be utilized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund in support of various environmental initiatives.