ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A state panel created to study how to reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastic grocery bags has released a report, but makes no recommendation.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo created the task force last year after the Legislature blocked New York City from imposing a nickel-a-bag fee. A dozen New York villages, towns and counties have enacted their own bans or fees.
According to the task force report, New Yorkers use 23 billion plastic bags a year. The flimsy bags not only use resources to make, but also clog landfills, create litter, and harm wildlife including whales.
The task force listed pros and cons of eight options including imposing fees on grocery bags or banning them outright.
It’s up to Cuomo and the Legislature to decide whether to take action.
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