The Kansas Legislature has moved to block local bans, restrictions or taxes on plastic bags or other packaging. The State Senate voted for a Bill that would ban cities and counties of their power to bridle, or tax bags, bottles or other packaging. The measure would cover not only plastic, but cloth, paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass or foamed plastic such as Styrofoam.
The Bill’s backers included the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and groups representing small business owners, soft drink distributors and bars and bistros. They argued that a patchwork of local bag bans would be difficult for businesses to follow and many would balk at them.
At least 18 states have blocked local bag ban regulations on plastic bags. Environmentalists put the blame on plastic bags for creating extra garbage and long lasting and breakneck dangers to fish, birds and other beasts. Bashers of the Bill bicker that cities and counties should be allowed to impose the policies their residents want.
