NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - Newport city councilors have unanimously voted to approve an ordinance banning single-use plastic shopping bags in an effort to make the city more environment-friendly.
The 7-0 vote Wednesday came after a series of supporters of the ban addressed the council and no one voiced opposition.
The Newport Daily News (https://bit.ly/1hsJ3Zv ) reports that an ordinance must pass on two separate votes at two separate council meetings. The council will hold a second vote on March 8.
If approved, Newport would become the second municipality in Rhode Island to ban plastic bags.
Councilman John Florez says the world produces 1 trillion plastic bags annually, and studies have shown that 90 percent of all marine birds and 35 percent of all fish have plastic in them. Florez introduced the resolution.
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Information from: The Newport Daily News.
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