According to a report this week by The Wall Street Journal, New York , N.Y., USA, this past Thursday, the city council successfully considered adoption of a 5-cent fee on paper and plastic bags at most stores. The 28-20 vote to approve the bill came only after a fierce debate centering on lofty themes of regressive taxation, income inequality, and environmental policy.

"This is a very, very expensive place where people are struggling to survive," said Councilman Mathieu Eugene, a Brooklyn Democrat whose district includes parts of Crown Heights and Flatbush.

Councilman Barry Grodenchik, a Queens Democrat, called it "one of the most regressive pieces of legislation to ever come before this council."

The council’s three Republicans all voted no. To them, the fee amounted to another tax.

"Quite frankly, I’m tired of my constituents being nickel and dimed," said Councilman Steven Matteo of Staten Island.

Many said they backed the fee to advance the cause of environmental consciousness. "We’re never going to be able to change our habits unless the price New Yorkers pay reflects the true cost, and that’s an environmental cost," said Councilman Mark Levine, a Manhattan Democrat.

The legislation, which Mayor Bill de Blasio indicated Thursday that he would sign, requires stores to charge customers at least 5 cents for single-use plastic and paper bags, a fee businesses would be allowed to keep. Stores that don’t comply would pay a $250 fee for a first offense and $500 for any additional offense.

 

The paper industry typically lobbies for exemption in bag ban or extra taxation legislation that is usually limited to non-biodegradable plastics (OTW Aug. 27, 2015, edition) thus offering consumers another option that can actually help instead of hurt the industry. So far, there has been no response by regional or national paper industry representatives on the broad new measure passed in the largest city in the U.S.  

The measure would go into effect October 1, but fines wouldn’t start until April 1, 2017.