Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a law that would prevent Arizona cities from creating plastic bag bans earlier this month. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is trying again to ban single-use bags while Huntington, Calif. is looking to reverse a ban it instituted in 2013.
Ducey signed the bill to keep the state’s cities, towns and countries from banning the use of “auxiliary containers” April 13, according to The Arizona Republic.
The Guardian reports the legislation, introduced by state Rep. Warren Petersen, also eliminates regulations on styrofoam, cans and bottles.
“I’m extremely concerned about economic freedom in this state,” Petersen said. “For me, I support individual rights and people making their own decisions.”
Bisbee, Ariz. is the only city in the state to have previously passed a plastic bag ban.
On the other side of the country, Philadelphia is making its second attempt at banning single-use plastic bags. City Council was unsuccessful with implementing a 25-cent fee on each bag in 2011, so this time around it is attempting a five-cent fee on plastic and paper shopping bags, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The fee would be split with three cents going to the business and two cents going to the city to fund an antilitter campaign.
“People go into convenience stores and come out with a bag that they really didn’t need and toss it onto the streets,” said Councilman Mark Squilla, who introduced the bill April 23.
While Philly joins cities across the country who have already approved bans or fees for plastic bags, Huntington Beach, Calif. is seeking a repeal of its ban, which has been in effect since November 2013, according to the Huntington Beach Independent.
The bill, which City Council passed 6-1 April 20, would reallow the use of plastic bags and repeal a 10-cent fee for each paper bag. A second reading is required before the bill can be adopted.
However, if passed, the law allowing plastic bags could be short-lived as a statewide California ban on plastic bags will appear on the November 2016 ballot.
