Connie Coker, as chair of the Environmental Committee, is supporting legislation to charge for paper and plastic bags. Below is a press release. You can attend a public meeting on December 10.
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ROCKLAND LEGISLATOR SUPPORTS BLOOMBERG’S PLAN TO CHARGE SHOPPERS FOR PLASTIC BAGS
New City, NY (November 7, 2008) – Rockland County Legislator Connie Coker today expressed support for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to charge shoppers in New York City a fee for every plastic bag that they receive when checking out at the supermarket.
Coker, the Chair of the Rockland County Legislature’s Environmental Committee, is sponsoring similar legislation in Rockland County. Coker teamed up with Andy Stewart, the Executive Director of Keep Rockland Beautiful, and authored legislation that proposes the implementation of a 25-cent fee for paper or plastic carryout bags.
According to Coker, paper and plastic bags threaten the environment, are a source of significant litter, and contribute to overburdened landfill sites. Coker’s legislation would discourage the use of these bags while, at the same time, encourage the use of environmentally friendly reusable bags.
“While I hope that New York City ultimately passes Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal and I am certainly eager to pass similar legislation in Rockland County, I believe that this issue would be more effectively addressed on a statewide level,” said Coker. “Until such time as a statewide law is put into place, each municipality throughout New York State should take steps to discourage the use of plastic and paper carryout bags and promote reusable shopping bags.”
The Rockland County Legislature’s Environmental Committee has already held one public hearing on Coker’s proposed legislation, and has scheduled a second hearing for December 10, 2008, at 7:30 pm, in the Legislative Chambers at the Allison-Parris County Office Building, which is located at 11 New Hempstead Road in New City, NY.
For additional information about the December 10 public hearing, please contact Christopher Smith, Clerk of the Environmental Committee, at 845-638-5754.
