The state of Oregon is considering banning plastic bags in retail stores:
Oregon lawmakers will consider whether the state should become the first to pass a ban on plastic bags, a measure recycling advocates believe would trigger a domino effect among other states.
A bill co-sponsored by two Republicans and two Democrats would outlaw throwaway plastic check-out bags at all retail stores in Oregon, a state that is already a leader in passing green legislation. Shoppers would be forced to bring their own bag or pay a nickel apiece for recycled paper bags under SB536.
We've already had a WTO dispute over plastic bags used at stores, related to an anti-dumping measure, so it's clear there are foreign producers who care about trade restrictions. Will these producers raise concerns about such a ban at the WTO?
