Gov. Andrew Cuomo Sunday announced the launch of the New York State Plastic Bag Task Force, to propose legislation to address the detrimental impact of plastic bags on the state’s environment.
The task force will be lead by Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos, state Sen. Thomas O’Mara, R-Big Flats and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, D- Setauket.
“New York has led the nation by taking bold action to protect our environment – and this task force marks another step forward in that effort,” Cuomo said in a press release. “The costly and negative impact of plastic bags on New York’s natural resources is a statewide issue that demands a statewide solution. This diverse coalition of experts will bring the experience and knowledge necessary to tackle this problem and safeguard New York’s environment for future generations.”
Members of the Task Force will work to develop a uniform and equitable statewide plan to address New York’s plastic bag problem. It will also will review information from municipalities about their experiences and proposed solutions.
New York residents use 23 billion plastic bags a year. The bags don’t biodegrade and a significant number make their way into the environment causing litter, damaging wildlife and entering waterways.
The New York City Department of Sanitation estimates that it collects an average of 1,700 tons of plastic bags per week, costing $12.5 million per year in disposal expenses.
To read the full story, visit http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/governor_creates_a_plastic_bag_task_force_to_address_nys_bag_problem.html