Maine Lawmakers Push For A Statewide Ban On Plastic Bags

Maine could become the first state in New England to ban plastic bags statewide.

Lawmakers are once again seeking a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. The moves comes after 20 cities and towns across the state have implemented their own ban or fees on plastic bags in the two years since the last attempt at a statewide ban.

According to the Portland Press Herald, at least three Maine lawmakers have proposed a bill to ban single-use plastic bags statewide. Exceptions would be made for bags used in pharmacies, or used for meats, produce and caustic items.

A recent survey by the Retail Association of Maine showed that nearly 65 percent of its members now support a ban or fee on plastic bags.

A statewide plastic bag ban was proposed back in 2017.