RI Lawmakers To Again Consider Statewide Plastic Bag Ban

PROVIDENCE, RI — Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is renewing his push to cut down on single-use plastics in Rhode Island. This week, at the start of the new legislative session, he once again introduced legislation that, if passed, would institute a statewide plastic bag ban.

The bill requires stores to cut down on the use of plastic bags and instead offer recyclable or reusable options. Violators would be fined.

"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."

Plastic waste, especially discarded bags, are of particular concern in coastal communities like Rhode Island, clogging waterways and killing fish and marine wildlife. In addition, plastics that are broken down by waves and sunlight become tiny particles known as microplastics. These particles are then consumed by fish, putting both the fishing industry and ecosystems at risk.

"It’s time to ban plastic bags in Rhode Island once and for all," said Amy Moses, the Rhode Island director of 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."

If passed, the bill would ban stores from offering any single-use bags that are not recyclable.

Last year's bill passed the Senate unanimously.

READ MORE:

• 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