ALBANY, N.Y. — In Albany Monday afternoon, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) held a public hearing on New York State's plastic bag ban. Anyone could give their two cents about the law, which takes effect in five weeks and was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo last spring.
"We certainly wish that the conversation had happened at that time," said Matt Seaholm, the executive director of the American Progressive Bag Alliance.
American Progressive Bag Alliance, a lobbying firm in support of the plastic bag industry, spoke at the public hearing. The group's message, other than urging more conversation about the law, warned the DEC about a possible paper bag shortage.
"There is not sufficient manufacturing capacity here in North America to fulfill the marketplace need just here in New York when it comes to paper bags, that's without a doubt," Seaholm said.
Seaholm is most concerned about mom and pop shops.
"Certainly you're going to have some stores, especially the larger ones, that are going to get first dibs at those," he said. "But any medium or smaller retailer is just not going to have anything to offer because everything is either imported from overseas or it's a paper bag and those are just not going to be available."
When the plastic ban takes effect, cities and counties can impose a $0.05 fee on paper bags. Niagara County has already opted out of the fee.
2 On Your Side reached out a spokesperson for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to see if the county wants revenue from paper bags. They say that's up to the Erie County Legislature, and that there's been no indication when or if a paper bag fee will be voted on.
2 On Your Side also requested an interview with Legislator April Baskin, the chair of the legislature, to ask her about a paper bag fee, but we were told she was not available on Monday.
If you're interested in sending a comment to the DEC about the state's plastic bag ban, you can send submissions to plasticbags@dec.ny.gov, using "Comments on Proposed Part 351" in the subject line. You can also mail your comment mail to Kayla Montanye, NYS DEC, Division of Materials Management, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7253. Submissions are being accepted until February 3.