California Lawmakers Aim to Ban All Plastic Bags After Single-Use Ban Fails

New legislation would also prohibit the thicker, reusable bags that stores hand out now. One lawmaker sees it as a ‘fight against Big Oil.’
California Lawmakers Aim to Ban All Plastic Bags After Single-Use Ban Fails
A woman carries her groceries in a plastic bag while leaving a supermarket in Monterey Park, Calif., on Sept. 30, 2014. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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California legislators are moving ahead with plans to ban all plastic bags—including reusable ones—in an ongoing effort to fight oil companies and cut down on plastic waste.

The state’s voters approved the first plastic bag ban in 2016 by passing Proposition 67, banning single-use bags at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.