Ohio Bill to Stop Local Plastic Bag Bans Makes Headway

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Ohio House Committee has voted in favor of a bill that proposes to prevent local governments from banning or charging single-use plastic bags. The House Bill 242, sponsored by representatives George F. Lang and Don Jones, cleared the House Committee by 8-6 vote. It now advances to the full House of Representatives. However, the bill is unlikely to be taken up before summer recess, as it is not among Speaker’s immediate priorities.

The supporters of the bill include grocery store owners and other business groups including the Greater Cleveland Partnership. According to them, local plastic bag bans are harmful as they tend to create non-uniform business environment across the state. On the other hand, environmentalists, who support the bill, noted that the bans will significantly help in reducing pollutions.

It must be noted that the Ohio House had passed a similar bill in December 2018, but the Senate had failed to act upon it before the end of the legislative session.

Many local cities have passed ban or fees on single-use plastic bags. Earlier in May this year, Cuyahoga County City Council had pushed legislation that bans distribution of single-use plastics by large retailers. The other Ohio cities that already have a ban in place include Bexley near Columbus and Orange village near Cleveland. Also, Cincinnati has proposed tax on use of plastic bags. The passage of the State bill will override all local restrictions, sources said.