Letter: Bag bill needs fewer exemptions
A person picks up a plastic bag on June 30, 2014 in a supermarket in Paris. Credit: AFP/Getty Images / Fred Dufour
In response to “All of LI should ban plastic grocery bags” [Editorial, March 8], I have no problem with the Suffolk County Legislature eliminating plastic bags. I’m aware of their environmental impact.
However, the bill sponsored by Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport) exempts too many items. Examples are bags without handles used to carry produce, meats, dry goods or other food items from coming into direct contact with other purchased items; a garment bag or large plastic bag with two openings that is used to transport clothing from a retailer or garment cleaner; and a bag provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs.
These exemptions will result in plenty of plastic bags still ending up in our landfills and waterways, and on highways.
I’m outraged that legislators are trying to impose a mandatory fee of 10 cents per bag to be kept by the retailer. Once again, the people would get nickel-and-dimed.
Pat Castiglione, Port Jefferson Station
