What's happening
This bill creates a commission to develop and recommend methods to eliminate plastic bags and styrofoam use by retailers and eating establishments in New York by 2020.
Why it matters
Directs focused, expert attention on plastic pollution. By creating a dedicated commission, the bill ensures that the phaseout of plastic bags and styrofoam is guided by subject-matter experts and representatives from government, increasing the likelihood of practical, effective solutions.
Mandates consideration of economic impacts and alternatives. The commission must analyze the costs and recommend replacement options for plastics and styrofoam, directly addressing concerns from businesses, consumers, and environmental advocates about feasibility and unintended consequences.
Sets a clear, near-term deadline for action. With a final implementation plan due by 2020, the bill accelerates the timeline for meaningful environmental change, signaling to retailers and restaurants that significant operational adjustments may be required soon.
Balances legislative oversight with independent input. By specifying the appointment process for commission members (governor, senate, assembly), the bill aims to ensure a mix of perspectives and accountability, potentially increasing buy-in and compliance across diverse stakeholders.
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Who cares
Headline styles
End Plastic Bags and Styrofoam
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4996
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 3, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ALCANTARA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection
AN ACT establishing a commission to eliminate the use of plastic bags and styrofoam by retailers and eating establishments in the state of New York; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Commission for plastic bag and styrofoam elimination. 1. Establishment. A commission is hereby established to provide a method to eliminate the use of plastic bags and styrofoam by retailers and eating establishments in the state of New York by 2020.
2. Definitions. For purposes of this act, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
a. "Retailer" shall mean a person or business that sells goods to the public for use or consumption in the state of New York;
b. "Eating establishment" shall mean any public place where food and drink is served for a fee in the state of New York; and
c. "Styrofoam" shall mean any food or drink holder including but not limited to plates, bowls, cups and to-go containers made from polystyrene.
3. Membership. Such commission shall consist of seven individuals, which shall be appointed as follows:
a. three members shall be appointed by the governor;
b. two members shall be appointed by the senate majority leader; and
c. two members shall be appointed by the assembly majority leader.
4. Reports. a. Six months after the establishment of the commission, an initial report shall be provided to the governor and the legislature with recommendations on elimination methods and replacement procedures, including a cost analysis of such methods and procedures.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09921-01-7
S. 4996 2
b. One year after such initial report, a final report shall be provided to the governor and the legislature with an implementation procedure for eliminating the use of all plastic bags and styrofoam by 2020.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed 3 years after such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act establishing a commission to eliminate the use of plastic bags and styrofoam by retailers and eating establishments in the state of New York; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Purpose or general idea of bill
To create a commission that will develop and provide a method to eliminate the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam in the state of New York by 2020.
Summary of specific provisions
Section one establishes the Commission for plastic bag and Styrofoam elimination, provides relevant definitions, outlines the membership of the commission, and introduces the commissions' tasks.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
Justification
The proposed legislation affirms the belief that New York State should take steps to reduce the usage of plastic bags and Styrofoam. This is for good reason. According to the Citizen's Campaign for the Environment, plastic bags require large amounts of fossil fuels for their production, cause problems for our waterways and marine life, and cost consumers a tremendous amount. Styrofoam is no better. According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Styrofoam can negatively affect an individuals' immune, neurological, and reproductive health. It is clear that for the sake of human health and our environment, state policies should aim to eliminate the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam.
We must consider, however, that the elimination of plastic bags and Styrofoam would present business and consumer-related issues. Some issues come to mind immediately. For example, policy needs to address what will take the place of plastic bags, and what materials will take the place of Styrofoam. Other issues however, are less conspicuous. Their discovery requires observation and research. In order to develop a proper and well-informed understanding of these issues, and to construct a plan that is sensitive to these issues, the creation of a commission is necessary.
By having the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Majority Leader contribute to this commissions' formation, we will ensure that the board is composed of individuals that come from varying regional, political, and social backgrounds. Considering the great diversity of New York State, a similar diversity in the commissions' composition will be invaluable. After the development of an appropriate plan to end the usage of plastic bags and Styrofoam, the commission will no longer be necessary. Accordingly, the bill provides that three years after the effective date, the commission will be dissolved.
Plastic bags and Styrofoam have already damaged New York State's environment, and the health of its constituents. This commission will provide the state with an opportunity to rectify this damage, and to move in a cleaner and safer direction.
Prior legislative history
None.
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Immediately. The bill shall expire and be deemed repealed 3 years after the effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.