ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has blocked New York City Council’s fee on non-reusable shopping bags just hours before it was supposed to take effect.
Cuomo on Tuesday approved a measure to forbid the city from placing any fees on disposable shopping bags until at least next year. The state Assembly and Senate both voted to block the 5-cent fee last week.
Cuomo, a Democrat, called the fee “deeply flawed” because it would allow store owners to keep the profit.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had championed the bag fee as a way to reduce litter and protect the environment.
Critics say overruling the city is an example of government overreach.
Cuomo announced a task force to address the environmental impact of plastic bags by the end of the year.
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