RI Senate Greenlights Plastic Bag Ban

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Senate once again approved a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. On Wednesday evening, lawmakers unanimously approved the legislation, spearheaded by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

If signed into law, the bill would require stores to offer recyclable options instead of single-use plastic bags, penalizing those who do not comply.

"We all know how dangerous plastic pollution is to the health of our oceans and marine life, and how it contributes to climate change," Ruggerio said. "Several Rhode Island jurisdictions, including 14 local communities have already enacted similar policies to promote and encourage the use of recyclable bags, and I think it’s appropriate to be consistent throughout the state."

Reducing plastic waste has long been an issue in coastal communities like Rhode Island, where plastics can clog waterways and break down into microplastics, which endanger the fishing industry and ecosystems when eaten by fish. The bill also notes that plastic bags and films are the main culprit in contaminated recycling loads in the state.

"Rhode Island is ready to say goodbye to plastic bag pollution," said Amy Moses, vice president and Rhode Island director of the Conservation Law Foundation. "Plastics pollute at every stage of their lives - from extracting and refining fossil fuels to contaminating our recycling and choking wildlife. The Senate President's bill is a solid compromise and it will keep Rhode Island's lands and waters free from this toxic litter."

The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators praised the legislation, saying that Rhode Island is one of 23 states currently considering laws that would cut down on plastic bag use.

The same measure was unanimously approved by the Senate last year. This year's bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where companion legislation was introduced by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee of Narragansett and South Kingstown.

READ MORE:

• RI Lawmakers To Again Consider Statewide Plastic Bag Ban
• Rhode Island Plastic Bag Ban Bill Advances
• Providence City Council Approves Citywide Plastic Bag Ban
• Senate Committee Discusses Plastic Bag, Straw Bans
• South Kingstown Cutting Back on Plastic Bag Use
• Barrington Town Council Expands Plastic Ban