Oregon, Pennsylvania Advance Plastic Bag Ban Bills

Both Pennsylvania and Oregon are moving forward with legislation to ban single-use plastic bags at checkout to address environmental and health risks posed by plastic pollution. Pennsylvania's proposed statewide ban, inspired by student advocacy and building on existing local bans, would prohibit plastic bags at checkout, allow paper bags for a small fee, and provide exemptions for certain items. Critics in Pennsylvania warn of possible unintended effects, such as increased sales of other plastic products and basket thefts, referencing issues seen in New Jersey. In Oregon, the Senate passed a bill eliminating thicker plastic checkout bags at grocery stores and restaurants, extending its 2020 ban and following a recent Styrofoam container ban. The Oregon bill, backed by both parties and environmental groups, dropped broader single-use plastic restrictions to secure passage. These legislative efforts reflect a wider national trend toward reducing plastic waste.