Summary.
Requires large groceries and pharmacies that distribute free plastic bags to meet phased plastic bag diversion and reduction benchmarks.
Update: Most Comprehensive Bag Reduction Law in World Nears Assembly Vote>>
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2058 is currently in Appropriations committee. Previously, the bill passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee April 14 with a 5-3 vote.
Description.
AB 2058 aims to build upon the success of California's In-Store Plastic Bag Recycling Law (AB 2449 Levine 2006) by requiring retailers to meet a specified plastic bag diversion requirement. Plastic bag litter is a serious problem that kills thousands of sea birds every year. Cleanup of plastic bags costs local governments millions, especially in areas affected by US EPA zero maximum daily water load limits for trash. Under AB 2058, retailers would be required to demonstrate 70% diversion by July, 2011. If either goals are not met, retailers will be required to charge a 25 cent per bag fee, the proceeds of which are to be used for local litter clean-up. This approach has reduced plastic bag consumption in Ireland by over 90%. In order to assure the bill does not substitute one disposable bag for another, grocers will be required to distribute paper bags at an equal fee after 2011. AB 2058 also allows local governments to require additional fees. Special Note: AB 2058 has taken on elements of AB 2829 (Davis), which died in committee, and has added Assembly Members Davis and Brownley as co-authors and Los Angeles County as co-sponsor.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray and Bryan Early (916) 443-5422
Current Actions.
AB 2058 will need support letters for its first policy committee. Letters should be CCd to the author:
Assembly Member Lloyd Levine
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.
FAX: 916-319-2140
Sample Group Support Letter
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
County of Los Angeles (Sponsor)
City and County of San Francisco Department of the Environment
East Bay Municipal Utilities District
Heal the Bay
Marin County Board of Supervisors
Northern California Recycling Association
Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
Oposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Grocers Association
California Retailers Association
Current Language, Analyses and Votes.
Additional Resources:
