AUGUSTA – Maine has now become the third state in the country to ban single-use plastic bags statewide.
The governor singed into law on Monday a bill that effectively bans plastic bags in favor of promoting reusable ones.
More than 20 communities across the state already have plastic bag bans of their own.
In addition to banning plastic bags, the law will also place a five-cent fee on recycled paper bags in an attempt to further encourage Mainers to bring their own reusable bags.
Supporters have said it will help reduce pollution, while those against the bill expressed concern over charging people for not providing their own bags.
According to a press release from the Natural Resources Council of Maine, the ban goes into effect on Earth Day, or April 22, 2020.
