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On the heels of a cute mockumentary in support of state legislation that would ban single-use plastic and other types of bags in most California stores, opponents have released their own advertisement.
The American Chemistry Council is framing the bill as a "billion dollar hidden grocery tax" that will eliminate manufacturing jobs in the state, where, by the way, there are 2.3 million unemployed people.
AB 1998, which is currently in the State Senate, is authored by Assemblymember Julia Brownley of Santa Monica and sponsored by Heal the Bay. Her intention is to stop the proliferation of plastic bags which end up in the ocean. They also don't break down in standard landfills, she says.
The Chemistry Council, which has also launched StopTheBagPolice.com, says the in-store recycling program is working, but Brownley cites the program only sees 5% of bags brought back. Under her bill, those in need a bag at grocery store would have to pay at least 5-cents for one that is at least made of 40% recycled content.
In May, the Council said reusable bags pose a health risk to consumers because most don't throw them in the washing machine. To that, one LAist commenter scoffed, "What's next, t-shirt industry recommends single-use clothing for optimum health?"