Senate Bill S4996

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S4996

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act establishing a commission to eliminate the
use of plastic bags and styrofoam by retailers and eating
establishments in the state of New York; and providing for the repeal
of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

To create a commission that will develop and provide a method to
eliminate the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam in the state of New
York by 2020.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section one establishes the Commission for plastic bag and Styrofoam
elimination, provides relevant definitions, outlines the membership of
the commission, and introduces the commissions' tasks.

Section two sets forth the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

The proposed legislation affirms the belief that New York State should
take steps to reduce the usage of plastic bags and Styrofoam. This is
for good reason. According to the Citizen's Campaign for the
              

Environment, plastic bags require large amounts of fossil fuels for
their production, cause problems for our waterways and marine life,
and cost consumers a tremendous amount. Styrofoam is no better.
According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control's Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Styrofoam can negatively
affect an individuals' immune, neurological, and reproductive health.
It is clear that for the sake of human health and our environment,
state policies should aim to eliminate the use of plastic bags and
Styrofoam.

We must consider, however, that the elimination of plastic bags and
Styrofoam would present business and consumer-related issues. Some
issues come to mind immediately. For example, policy needs to address
what will take the place of plastic bags, and what materials will take
the place of Styrofoam. Other issues however, are less conspicuous.
Their discovery requires observation and research. In order to develop
a proper and well-informed understanding of these issues, and to
construct a plan that is sensitive to these issues, the creation of a
commission is necessary.

By having the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Majority
Leader contribute to this commissions' formation, we will ensure that
the board is composed of individuals that come from varying regional,
political, and social backgrounds. Considering the great diversity of
New York State, a similar diversity in the commissions' composition
will be invaluable. After the development of an appropriate plan to
end the usage of plastic bags and Styrofoam, the commission will no
longer be necessary. Accordingly, the bill provides that three years
after the effective date, the commission will be dissolved.

Plastic bags and Styrofoam have already damaged New York State's
environment, and the health of its constituents. This commission will
provide the state with an opportunity to rectify this damage, and to
move in a cleaner and safer direction.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

None.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately. The bill shall expire and be deemed repealed 3 years
after the effective date.