AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine House has rejected a bill that would prohibit retailers from using disposable plastic bags.
The Democratic-controlled House voted 84-62 against the bill on Tuesday.
Under the measure, retailers would no longer be able to use single-use plastic bags, starting September 2020. Plastic bags would still be allowed for some items, like prescription drugs and newspapers.
The original bill sought to impose a 5-cent fee for single-use plastic bags but it was amended in committee. The House also rejected a separate bill on Tuesday that sought to charge 5 cents for plastic bags.
Supporters say that encouraging the use of reusable bags is crucial to protecting the environment but opponents say a ban goes too far.
The Senate will now consider the bills.
