Michigan's New Law Will Prohibit Banning Plastic Bags

Though some cities are moving toward the reduction of plastic use to curb environmental pollution, Michigan has recently passed a law to do the exact opposite.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed off on the new law that prevents local governments from banning, regulating, or apply taxes on using plastic bags and other plastic containers, The Washington Post reported.

The new act not only bans the banning of plastic containers, bags, cups, bottles, and other packaging, but also containers made of "cloth, paper, plastic, cardboard, corrugated material, aluminum, glass, postconsumer recycled material, or similar material or substrates, including coated, laminated, or multilayer substrates," according to the bill.

The containers protected under the act are used to transport, consume, or protect merchandise, food, and beverage in the food or retail industries.

Supporters of the law, including the Michigan Restaurant Association, see the act as a way to protect their businesses from additional taxes and fees.

"As the second largest private employer in Michigan, the restaurant industry plays a major role in Michigan's economic future," Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the MRA, said in a statement.

"Frivolous regulation at the local level threatens to jeopardize that future, which is why the MRA led the charge for sensible reform embodied in SB 853."