It's not everyday you see environmentalists protesting a bill that would require grocery stores to recycle plastic bags. But in the case of Senate Bill 908, critics say it could restrict municipalities from implementing plastic bag bans of their own.
As Ryland Barton reported for KUT News and ReportingTexas.com, environmentalists say it’s an issue of state versus local control.
“Right now local governments can deal with this issue as they see fit and three local governments have taken action already,” [Texas Campaign for the Environment's Robin] Schneider said. “But the retailers and the plastic bag makers are trying to nip this in the bud and stop any local governments it appears from passing any more ordinances on plastic bags.” But bill supporters say if towns are allowed to regulate plastic bags themselves it could hurt the state’s economy.
