New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is asking lawmakers to enact a statewide plastic bag ban that would target single-use bags employed by grocers and restaurants, arguing that they pollute the states streets and waterways.
“The blight of plastic bags takes a devastating toll on our streets, our water and our natural resources, and we need to take action to protect our environment,” Cuomo said Monday, The Hill reported. “As the old proverb goes: ‘We did not inherit the earth, we are merely borrowing it from our children,’ and with this action, we are helping to leave a stronger, cleaner and greener New York for all.”
The plastic bag ban, which Cuomo introduced in the New York legislature, isn’t likely to go anywhere, and “will likely end up being more of a grand gesture than anything,” according to New York magazine.
The governor’s move to the left was likely prompted by a primary challenge to his re-election bid by activist and actress Cynthia Nixon.
Cuomo’s move comes just three days after Nixon’s campaign launched a climate platform with a stated goal of turning the state 100 percent reliant on renewable energy.
Cuomo’s announcement also comes at a time when activists are demonstrating at the state capital to ask the governor to put an end to approving any new fossil fuel plants.
Some Twitter users weren’t necessarily on board with a plastic bag ban.
And at least one believed it was all about Nixon entering the race.
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