SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Contentious spats about plastic versus paper made it all the way to California’s lawmakers with the Democratic proposal of a statewide ban on the use of plastic bags, which is already enforced in few California cities, including San Francisco. Fortunately, and unfortunately, the bill was stopped in its tracks on Tuesday, Aug. 31, as the Senate rejected the bill. Yahoo! News reported Sen. Gil Cedillo, saying “The measure offered California an opportunity to emerge at the forefront of a global trend." Many felt the ban was taking sustainability too far. Those in favor of the bill argued it cost the state $25 million a year to shuttle and collect the plastic bags to landfills, in addition to the harm it causes on the environment. AB1998 said the ban would take effect in 2012 in all large retails stores and supermarkets. Smaller retail stores would have to comply by 2013. But those opposing the bill said it would place a financial burden on many who are already struggling.
Yahoo! News stated: "If we pass this piece of legislation, we will be sending a message to the people of California that we care more about banning plastic bags than helping them put food on their table," said Sen. Mimi Walters, R-Lake Forest.