Environment

Senators Approve Amendment To Plastic Bag Ban To Include Plastic Straws, Even As Use Of Plastic Bags Continue Unabated

Lawmakers on Wednesday approved an amendment to the plastic bag ban, which became law approximately two years ago, to include plastic straws. But while the amendment -- sponsored by Senator Janelle Sarauw and heard in the Committee on Government Affairs, Veterans, Energy & Environmental Protection, chaired by Sen. Sammuel Sanes -- piles more good intention rules to the 2016 law, there is virtually no enforcement of the current plastic bag ban, as stores territory-wide continue to use plastic bags. It was upon this observation that some lawmakers took issue with the Sarauw amendment. “The issue regarding our environment is always viable, but it must be done with caution,” said Senator Alicia Hansen. Senator Marvin Blyden chimed in: “I agree that the bill needs more work in regard to enforcement within our communities, as plastic bags are still being offered to residents.” Still, proponents of the measure, among them Senator Nereida Rivera-O'Reilly, hailed the amendment as a step in...