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Maine Governor Janet Mills enacted a bill making her state the first to ban single-use polystyrene foam food and beverage containers.
The legislation, which Mills promulgated on Tuesday, will come into force in 2021. It forbids "covered establishments" – such as restaurants and grocery stores – from using containers. Hospitals, seafood shippers and home-delivered meal programs funded by the state are exempt.
Mills, a Democrat, described the new law as "not important in protecting our environment." The governor said that it creates consistency for businesses while giving them time to adapt.
Environmental groups sought such bans as the public became increasingly aware that disposable plastics were accumulating in the oceans.
"As the threats posed by plastic pollution become increasingly apparent, costly and even deadly to wildlife, we must do everything in our power to limit our use and better manage our single-use plastics – starting with by eliminating the use of unnecessary forms such as plastic foam, "said Sarah Lakeman, director of Sustainable Maine at the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Similar legislation was passed by the Maryland Legislative Assembly in April, but it is unclear whether Republican governor Larry Hogan will sign it. Oregon, Vermont and Connecticut are also planning to ban containers, and dozens of communities in Berkeley, California, New York have enacted their own bans, some dating back to late 1980s.
BERKELEY FOLLOWS THE PROHIBITION OF PLASTIC STRAW IN LOADING DINERS, AN ADDITIONAL DISTRICT FOR DISPOSABLE CUPBOARDS
Maine has banned foam containers in state facilities and services since 1993, and some communities in the state have banned polystyrene.
The legislation was met with stiff opposition from the plastics industry, Maine food service container manufacturers and business and tourism groups, who argued that polystyrene is Economical and better than other materials to prevent food from spoiling.
"We sincerely hope that Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature will review this bill next year after noting its negative impact on the environment as well as on local businesses and consumers," Omar said. Terrie, director of the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council.
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The plastics industry also indicates that it is taking voluntary measures to make plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or recoverable by 2030. Several companies, such as Dunkin's and McDonald's, are also taking action. have removed the foam cups or have committed to do so.
Maine Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Ben Gilman said the bill would increase costs for small businesses while sending a "chilling message" to state-owned manufacturing companies. food service containers.
"These types of issues are better handled at the regional or national level because of the unbalanced financial impact on Maine businesses," he said in written testimony.
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