AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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A RESOLUTION URGING STATE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE PROLIFERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS; URGING THE LEGISLATIVE ADOPTION OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FEBRUARY 1, 2010, STUDY RECOMMENDING STATE ACTION REGARDING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS; OPPOSING CONTINUED PREEMPTION OF LOCAL LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE PROLIFERATION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS IF THE STATE IS REFUSING TO TAKE ACTION; SUPPORTING INITIATIVES BY LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES IN FLORIDA TO LESSEN THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
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BACKGROUND:
It is well established that plastic bags are detrimental to the environment and create the potential for death of marine wildlife through entanglement and ingestion. Reusable bags are considered the best option to protect wildlife, conserve resources, and reduce waste and litter. On February 1, 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection transmitted a report, "Retail Bags Report to Legislature" to the Florida Legislature, outlining "how improperly discarded plastic bags can affect wildlife, marine life, landfill operation and flood control systems" and exploring various approaches that other states and countries have taken to address this issue. The Legislature has yet to adopt the report or implement any of its recommendations. Instead, Florida Statutes Section 403.7033, prohibits local governments from enacting any rule, regulation, or ordinance regarding use, disposition, sale, prohibition, restriction, or tax of single-use plastic bags.
DISCUSSION:
The City believes all residents and businesses can work cooperatively and play a meaningful role to reduce the proliferation of single-use plastic bags by reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bags through the use of reusable shopping bags. If the State does not act to regulate the proliferation of single-use shopping bags and take comprehensive and meaningful actions to reduce...
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