Edmonds State Sen. Maralyn Chase Seeks Statewide Ban of Plastic Bags

In 2009, Edmonds became the first city in Washington state to  in grocery stores. In the near future, the entire state may have the ban, and it only makes sense that the battle is being waged by Edmonds’ Sen. Maralyn Chase, who represents the 32nd District.

Chase has introduced Senate Bill 5780, which would ban the use of “carry out” bags given to customers at the point of sale. Other types of bags would still be permitted, including those used for meat, vegetable and dairy products, among others.

The bill is the subject of public hearing today at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Environment Committee.

Chase’s bill isn’t the only one legislators will have in front on them. According to The Seattle Times, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbons, D-Burien, is submitted a version of the bag ban today.

Edmonds’ ban became effective on Aug. 27, 2010, and the city is still the only one in the state where the ban is active. Similar bans in ,  and  have passed and will be implemented later this year.

At this point, bag bags have slight differences. Seattle's ban, for example, includes a 5-cent fee on the use of paper bags from stores. It is set to take effect in July. Edmonds does not have the fee.