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Bill To Prohibit Bans & Taxes On Plastic Bags Goes To Governor

HARRISBURG (NewsRadio 1020/KDKA) - A bill that would prevent cities like Pittsburgh and other municipalities from banning or taxing plastic bags is on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf's desk.

A spokesman says Gov. Wolf opposes the bill, but will make a final decision about whether to sign or veto it once he reviews the measure.

The Senate, without debate, gave final legislative approval to the bill Wednesday.

The measure would prevent municipalities from banning, taxing, surcharging or assessing fees for recyclable plastic bags provided to consumers at the point of sale.

"Those of us who represent Philadelphia were pretty solidly on the side of allowing local control. Even some of our suburban members were also on our side of it," Democrat Sharif Street said.

Republican senators like John Rafferty joined in voting against the bill.

"Those of us in the southeast who are traditionally more green than some of the other senators…we all stood firm on this one," said Rafferty.

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