MD leaders and organizations pushing to pass Plastic Bag Reduction Act

MARYLAND- For some in the state of Maryland, banning thin plastic bags is a top priority they want to see this legislative session.

That’s why a group of Maryland leaders and organizations hosted a virtual rally Thursday urging Maryland’s Legislature to pass the Plastic Bag Reduction Act.

“Single use plastic bags they’re everywhere they litter our neighborhoods, our streets, our communities, our waterways, our beaches,” Del. Brooke Lierman, (D) MD District 46, said.

Maryland leaders said if House Bill 36 is passed it would get rid of thin plastic bags at the checkout counter, instead giving consumers plastic-free choices, which would help clean up communities.

It’s a move that Delegate Carl Anderton said he can get behind.

“I think it will have a good impact, again it comes down to being mindful of the space that we have remaining at the landfill that’s the most important piece, is that we shouldn’t be filling the landfill up with stuff that’s not needed,” Del. Anderton said.

Meanwhile, Delegate Christopher Adams, said he doesn’t see this bill passing this year.

Adding it could potentially hurt small businesses.

“The economics of it, the idea that we are putting a burden on businesses at the wrong time, but in addition employers, their employees don’t like using reusable bags in this COVID-19 pandemic environment,” Del. Adams said.

But, not everyone agrees.

“This banning of single use plastics will not negatively impact small business, we know people have changed their behaviors, that they have gone to reusable bags or no bag at all,” Sen. Malcolm Augustine, (D) MD District 47, said.