Banning Plastic Bags in California

The California Assembly passed a bill today banning the use of one-time-use plastic bags in the state.  The state Senate will vote on the measure by August, and if it passes Governor Schwarzenegger says he will sign it into law.

Several countries have similar bans or taxes, including Ireland, Bangladesh, and China.  Washington D.C. imposed a 5 cent fee on bags last year and several local communities across the country have banned or taxed bags as well.  California would be the first state to ban the bags.