“This is the type of progressive and environmentally conscious action that helps create a more sustainable city,” Mr. Contreras said in an email. “We are going to continue to work with our partners in the City Council and Albany on implementation of this legislation.”PhotoThe fee had been narrowly approved by the City Council in 2016, after a protracted and heated battle. They included a man dressed in a suit made of hundreds of plastic bags, as well as Councilman Brad Lander, a Democrat from Brooklyn who fought for the charge. Every year New York City residents throw away 10 billion bags, according to the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Single-use plastic bags are derived from petroleum, and their production, transportation and disposal all contribute to climate change,” Jordan Levine, a spokesman for the league, said.

Source: New York Times January 18, 2017 00:14 UTC