BOSTON--The Massachusetts House and Senate Conference Committee finalized an Environmental Bond Bill last night that did not include language banning single use plastic bags. Such language had been included in the Senate version of the bond bill.
Today, Ohio Governor John Kasich announced a new partner for a proposed ethane cracker plant in Belmont County. Ethane crackers are known to release toxic air pollution including cancer-causing benzene and other pollutants. Building out petrochemical plants would also drive an increase in fracking, and the increased air and water pollution that comes with it.
Boston, MA—Boston is on its way to becoming the largest city on the East Coast to pass plastic bag regulations today. Similar to that of Cambridge’s, which went into effect in March of 2016, Boston’s comprehensive law requires recycled content in paper bags, and that reusable bags be durable by having a minimum thickness. The Boston regulations also include a modest 5¢ fee on all single-use bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags. The retailer keeps the fee making this a minimum price not a tax.