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Plastic Bag Ban Moves Ahead in San Diego

Plastic carryout shopping bags would be prohibited in San Diego if an ordinance advanced by a City Council committee ultimately passes. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Plastic Bag Ban Moves Ahead in San Diego

Plastic carryout shopping bags would be prohibited in San Diego if an ordinance advanced by a City Council committee ultimately passes. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Natural Resources and Culture Committee voted 2-1 to forward the proposed law to the incoming city attorney.

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After a legal analysis, it would head to the full City Council.

Councilman Kevin Faulconer cast the dissenting vote.

He says there may be alternatives that favor recycling over an outright ban on plastic carryout shopping bags.

The proposed law would prohibit supermarkets and pharmacies from providing plastic carryout bags to customers in order to encourage the use of reusable shopping bags.

Customers could also opt to pay a 25-cent per-bag fee for paper carryout bags.

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Encinitas is the only other city in San Diego County considering prohibiting plastic carryout bags.

Similar laws have already been enacted in several California cities.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.