The fate of legislation to ban plastic grocery bags in California may be decided this week. Supporters are fighting for every vote.
The legislation would require reusable bags and prohibit grocery, liquor and convenience stores from distributing single-use plastic bags.
Supporters say the bags get blown out of trash cans and garbage trucks, polluting waterways and harming wildlife.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he'd sign the bill, the legislation has passed the Assembly, and it's now in a Senate committee.
If the bill doesn't make it out of committee, the effort to ban plastic bags would be over for this year.
Opponents of the legislation, including the plastics industry, say a ban would cost jobs at a time when the economy is struggling.
"The opponents believe that passage would cost California jobs," said Steve Aceti, executive director of the California Coastal Coalition. "We're arguing whether or not that's really the case. But, it resonates with some moderate Democrats and that's where we are."
Aceti said the support of those moderate Democrats is crucial for the bill to have a chance at passing.
He said if the bill fails this year, similar legislation to ban plastic grocery bags would likely be introduced again next year.
