Plastic Bag Ban Posts Sept. 30 Deadline for Calif., Gov

The California State Senate voted 22-15 on Friday to pass SB 270 Coalition that bans plastic bags in all California grocery stores and pharmacies by 2015 and convenience stores by 2016. The bill has already passed the state assembly and now moves onto Governor Jerry Brown who has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law, which would make California the first state to enact such a ban. Currently, more than 100 municipalities in California have instituted plastic bag bans.

“This is a monumental night for California. With tonight’s vote, California is on the cusp of making history,” said Ronald Fong, president and CEO, California Grocers Association. “SB 270 will foster innovation, create homegrown jobs, safeguard businesses and protect California’s natural resources.”

Californians Against Waste, an advocacy group, estimates that more than 100 billion plastic bags are used in the state every year.

By Katie Martin, Progressive Grocer Independent Editor-in-Chief