Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing a statewide ban on plastic shopping bags.
That ban could affect how you do your grocery shopping.
The proposed ban comes after a report was released showing the impact plastic bags have on the environment.
Gov. Cuomo says New York residents use 23 billion bags a year, which contributed to pollution on land and in our water streams.
The bill would apply to single-use plastic bags. There is an exception for certain plastic bags such as, trash bags, garment bags, and
bags used to wrap foods.
Some local shoppers say they agree with the ban.
"Plastic bags are horrible for the environment and we see them end up in the streams and the rivers, in the trees," local shopper Greta Zarro said. "And also, plastic bags are made from fossil fuels. So this is a step toward ending New York’s dependence on fossil fuels."
Right now there are 10 cities, towns, and villages in New York that already have plastic bag bans.
If passed the bill will go into effect on January 1, 2019.
Governor Cuomo said in his announcement, Monday, that plastic bags are taking a toll on our streets and our natural resources.
He says he's taking action to protect our environment.
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