L.A. calls for studies on proposed single-use bag ban
Posted: 12/16/2011 06:27:57 PM PST
Taking a cautious approach, the Los Angeles City Council on Friday called for detailed studies on the cost and environmental impact of a ban on single-use bags at markets.
Councilwoman Jan Perry, noting lawsuits had been filed against smaller cities, said she believes "we have to do this right" before L.A. decides to prohibit the use of plastic and paper bags at markets.
"I am for a prohibition on the use of plastic bags, but I am not sure we want to ban all single-use bags," Perry said. "But, before we do anything, I think we have to do this right to study the environmental impact and the fiscal impact to the city."
Los Angeles has been studying various proposals since 2003, and the most recent recommendation from the Bureau of Sanitation is to ban both plastic and paper bags.
Other proposals would instead ban plastic bags but allow stores to charge for paper bags to encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags.
Perry said the bureau needs to conduct an outreach program to assess the impact on stores, customers and the plastic industry.
Also, she said the city needs to conduct a full environmental impact review - a reason cited in other legal challenges - before implementing the policy. The county of Los Angeles completed an environmental study before adopting its ban on plastic bags in unincorporated areas.
Councilman Paul Koretz, the author of the most recent proposal before the city, said he believes "this is an idea whose time has come.
"I think it is generally anticipated that if we pass this, it will provide the missing momentum to pass this at a state level," Koretz said.
Councilman Ed Reyes asked that a separate report be prepared addressing the issue of the jobs that would be lost and creating a jobs center to help workers transition into a new industry.
Councilman Bill Rosendahl urged quick action.
"Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed by our lack of action," Rosendahl said. "And everything we do is subject to a lawsuit. This is a no-brainer to me."
Koretz asked that the reports come back before March 1, the last day for state legislation to be introduced.
Councilman Paul Krekorian said he believes Los Angeles will serve as a model.
"I believe the state will follow what Los Angeles does and adopt a statewide law," Krekorian said. "This is a global problem and we need to get a grip on our plastic trash."
However, David Simhaee, research director at plastic bag manufacturer Crown Poly, said the environmental costs to produce reusable bags are much higher than for plastic bags.
"Also, a majority of reusable bags are made in China and imported and also are produced with high amounts of lead," Simhaee said. "We do not have that."
Other witnesses questioned the real savings, noting residents will still need to purchase bags to dispose of trash and other items.
Councilwoman Jan Perry, noting lawsuits had been filed against smaller cities, said she believes "we have to do this right" before L.A. decides to prohibit the use of plastic and paper bags at markets.
"I am for a prohibition on the use of plastic bags, but I am not sure we want to ban all single-use bags," Perry said. "But, before we do anything, I think we have to do this right to study the environmental impact and the fiscal impact to the city."
Los Angeles has been studying various proposals since 2003, and the most recent recommendation from the Bureau of Sanitation is to ban both plastic and paper bags.
Other proposals would instead ban plastic bags but allow stores to charge for paper bags to encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags.
Perry said the bureau needs to conduct an outreach program to assess the impact on stores, customers and the plastic industry.
Also, she said the city needs to conduct a full environmental impact review - a reason cited in other legal challenges - before implementing the policy. The county of Los Angeles completed an environmental study before adopting its ban on plastic bags in unincorporated areas.
Councilman Paul Koretz, the author of the most recent proposal before the city, said he believes "this is an idea whose time has come.
"I think it is generally anticipated that if we pass this, it will provide the missing momentum to pass this at a state level," Koretz said.
Councilman Ed Reyes asked that a separate report be prepared addressing the issue of the jobs that would be lost and creating a jobs center to help workers transition into a new industry.
Councilman Bill Rosendahl urged quick action.
"Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed by our lack of action," Rosendahl said. "And everything we do is subject to a lawsuit. This is a no-brainer to me."
Koretz asked that the reports come back before March 1, the last day for state legislation to be introduced.
Councilman Paul Krekorian said he believes Los Angeles will serve as a model.
"I believe the state will follow what Los Angeles does and adopt a statewide law," Krekorian said. "This is a global problem and we need to get a grip on our plastic trash."
However, David Simhaee, research director at plastic bag manufacturer Crown Poly, said the environmental costs to produce reusable bags are much higher than for plastic bags.
"Also, a majority of reusable bags are made in China and imported and also are produced with high amounts of lead," Simhaee said. "We do not have that."
Other witnesses questioned the real savings, noting residents will still need to purchase bags to dispose of trash and other items.
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