Latest Update 3 February 2018 : A redraft of Bill H.2121 has been approved by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture by a 13-1 vote! The new version of the bill will now move on to consideration by the Massachusetts House. Thanks for your support and stay tuned to find out about the next steps in this campaign!
The information below is now no longer up-to-date, but is being kept for archival reasons.
Our chapter is campaigning to support An Act to Reduce Plastic Bag Pollution, currently under consideration in the Massachusetts Legislature. The identical House and Senate versions are H.2121 and S.424.
This bill has developed over several years of effort and represents some of the most comprehensive and effective restrictions on single-use plastic bags yet proposed in Massachusetts. Our chapter favors this bill because it will be truly groundbreaking, and represent a major step forward in our mission to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the oceans.
The key provisions of the current bill are:
- During a transition period until 1 August 2018, stores (with >3000 sq. feet of retail space) may still sell single-use carryout bags, but only for a charge of no less than $0.10
- After 1 August 2018, stores may no longer provide or sell single-use carryout bags to customers at the point of sale
- Recycled paper bags and reusable grocery bags may be made available for purchase for no less than $0.10
- Local jurisdictions are NOT prevented from enacting stricter restrictions
The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture where a public hearing was held on 24 October 2017. The committee will hold an executive session to consider testimony and make a recommendation on the bill's merits to the full legislature.
To find our more, or to learn how you can help, please get in touch with our Chapter Vice-Chair.
Want to learn more about the problem with single-use plastics, including plastic bags? Check out the information here!
Update - 24 October 2017:
A public hearing on this bill was held on 24 October 2017 before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. There is a period for public comment before the committee work session, during which members will decide whether the bill moves forward (TBD). This work session is a key milestone for this bill on its path to becoming law in MA.
This is your chance to tell the committee members that you support this effort to cut down on the 2 BILLION plastic bags that are used and discarded in Massachusetts each year.
The best way to make your voice heard is by sending a personal message to all members of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture before the work session takes place.
Note: If you're having trouble with the link, you can just copy and paste the following list of e-mail addresses into your favorite mail program:
rep.smitty@mahouse.gov, anne.gobi@masenate.gov, james.eldridge@masenate.gov, julian.cyr@masenate.gov, Ryan.Fattman@masenate.gov, Mike.Rush@masenate.gov, RoseLee.Vincent@mahouse.gov, Thomas.Petrolati@mahouse.gov, Robert.Koczera@mahouse.gov, Mary.Keefe@mahouse.gov, john.velis@mahouse.gov, Christine.Barber@mahouse.gov, Dylan.Fernandes@mahouse.gov, Jack.Lewis@mahouse.gov, Donald.Berthiaume@mahouse.gov, james.kelcourse@mahouse.gov, massachusetts@surfrider.org, mgates@surfrider.org
Or, if you prefer, the contact details of individual members can be found here.
Not sure what to write? Even a simple message saying who you are, where you live, and "I support the passage of S.424/H.2121" can make a big difference. If you want to go even further, you can read the Surfrider Massachusetts Chapter's official testimony, or look at a few ideas on what you could write about here:
- How has plastic litter affected you, your family, and your community?
- If you live or work in a place that has local restrictions on plastics, how have these affected you?
- What alternatives to single-use plastic bags do you use and why?
- How do you use and enjoy our natural environment? What makes you want to protect it?
- How do you want our state to be seen nationally and globally on these type of issues?
Let's do this! If you have any questions, please let us know how we can help!