COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday passed legislation that prohibits local governments from imposing taxes and fees on plastic bags, bottles, straws and other items, a measure environmentalists call unwise and an example of state government overreach.
The bill, which now goes to the state Senate where a similar measure is under consideration, prohibits local governments from banning or imposing fees on the use, sale or consumption of “auxiliary containers” such as plastic grocery bags, plastic beverage bottles and plastic straws.
The ban has the support of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Manufacturer’s Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, who claim container laws should be left up to the state to avoid confusion.
But opponents, such as environmental scientist Dr. Randi Pokladnik, believes the Statehouse is sticking its nose into the business of local communities.
“Why would you not want to become more environmental? Why would you want to encourage people to use plastic bags? Why would you not want citizens to make that choice for themselves?” she said.
If signed into law, Ohio would join several states that have already passed similar legislation, including Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina.