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In Trenton, Assemblyman John Azzariti Jr. has introduced a bill to repeal the state's ban on single-use plastic bags, paper bags, and polystyrene foam containers. The ban, enacted nearly three years ago, aimed to reduce plastic waste, but Azzariti argues it has backfired, citing a study by the Freedonia Group that indicates plastic consumption in New Jersey has tripled since the ban's implementation. The law, once hailed as a significant environmental step, has led to an increase in reusable bags, which often contain more plastic than single-use bags and are frequently discarded after minimal use.
Azzariti's proposal follows a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, which reinstated the use of plastic straws at the federal level. He believes the ban's unintended consequences, such as increased plastic waste and financial burdens on consumers, outweigh its benefits. According to NJ.com, Azzariti stated, "Just because your intuition tells you something is going to be true, science can prove you wrong."
Despite Azzariti's claims, environmental groups and some state officials argue the ban has successfully reduced litter and pollution. Linda Doherty, president of the New Jersey Food Council, noted the ban has kept billions of single-use bags out of the waste stream. However, Azzariti points to the financial gains retailers have made from reusable bag fees, which he describes as a regressive tax on residents.
The repeal effort faces challenges in the Democratic-controlled legislature, where the ban is seen as a point of pride. Governor Murphy's office has not commented on Azzariti's bill, but his past support for the ban suggests resistance to any rollback. As the debate continues, the bill has garnered support from some business groups and residents frustrated with the current law's impact.