Press Room

Aldermen Doubt They'll Pass Ban on Plastic Bags
Alternative Voluntary Compliance Proposal Is Being Drafted

By Raymond McCaffrey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, Nov. 19, 2007

The Annapolis City Council is scheduled to vote today on a proposed ordinance banning the use of plastic grocery bags, but aldermen opposed to the legislation are developing a competing proposal that would include urging residents to voluntarily use reusable bags.

Alderman Samuel Shropshire (D-Ward 7), who proposed the ban as a way to protect the environment, especially the Chesapeake Bay, said he believes the measure has the support to pass, sending what he said would be "a strong statement to the entire world."

"I will say what passes Monday night will be strong and will make a statement on overconsumption and its effect on the environment," Shropshire said.

Shropshire appears to be alone, however, among the seven aldermen -- an eighth seat is vacant -- in declaring his support for the ban.

Among those opposed, concerns included whether a ban would actually benefit the environment and whether it is the city's role to tackle an issue with such wide geographic implications.

"I don't see the measure passing," said Alderman David H. Cordle Sr. (R-Ward 5). "I've listened to all the arguments from all the different sides.

"I think the answer is voluntary use," he said.

Although he, too, opposes a ban, Ross H. Arnett III (D-Ward 8) nonetheless said public defeat of Shropshire's legislation could give the city "a big black eye."

"I don't think anybody wants to see this be a defeat for the environmental movement," Arnett said.

In a city noted for its maritime heritage, the competing proposal might give aldermen a way to do more than merely reject a ban intended to protect the bay. Arnett said two other aldermen and Mayor Ellen O. Moyer (D), who has a vote, are helping him draft the alternative proposal, which will be introduced tonight before the vote on the ban.

Under the alternative, the city would issue reusable bags to residents and would then conduct an evaluation on whether the voluntary reusable bag program is having any effect. The proposal also includes other environmentally friendly steps for the city government to take, such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones and improving the efficiency of heating systems in government buildings.

Julie M. Stankivic (I-Ward 6) said that "I think it's impossible to say what will happen" at tonight's meeting.

When the proposed ban was introduced at a public hearing in July, it drew support from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Sierra Club Anne Arundel County Group. Backers said the measure would help reduce the environmental impact of discarded plastic bags, which do not decompose as quickly as paper. The supporters also said fish, birds and turtles can die from intestinal problems after ingesting plastic bags.

A coalition of local retailers has since come out in favor of the proposal, but supermarket representatives and other opponents said paper is not necessarily better for the environment, and plastic is shipped more efficiently, reducing air pollution stemming from burning fuel. The supermarkets have said consumers would have to absorb the increased cost for paper bags.

Months after the ordinance was proposed, council members continue to debate its merits.

"There's no question I'm in favor of recycling," said Alderman Classie Gillis Hoyle (D-Ward 3). "I'm in favor of banning plastic bags if we have the ability. Right now, I have not made a decision of whether we can possibly do the total ban of plastic versus paper."

Arnett said he knows of no one but Shropshire who would vote for the ordinance. "I'm sure that there's not" a consensus to vote for the ban, Arnett said.

Arnett said the alternative proposal he has developed with Aldermen Richard E. Israel (D-Ward 1) and Sheila M. Finlayson (D-Ward 4) "basically calls for the city to get its own house in order before we stop people from doing things voluntarily."

Shropshire said he thinks the time is right for the ban, not for a less demanding alternative. "It's very easy to understand," he said of the environmental impact of plastic bags, "and we need to act."

Staff writer William Wan contributed to this report.