Maine could become the first state in New England to enact a statewide prohibition on single-use plastic bags. Bans and restrictions on the use-once-and-throw-away commodities have the potential to help stimulate sales of branded resuable bags.

The Portland Press Herald, a Maine newspaper, reported that three lawmakers in the Pine Tree State have proposed legislation that would ban or discourage single-use bags. No hearing dates have been set and particular legal language needs to be penned. Still, Rep. Nicole Grohoski said her proposal would be to prohibit plastic bags at the point of sale at all retail stores. There could be limited exceptions, such as allowing for small bags to carry produce or meat, the Press Herald reported.

Grohoski feels Maine is ready to approve a statewide single-use plastic bag ban. “There will always be people who are challenged by change, but I do feel positive momentum on this issue,” she told the Press Herald.

Some 20 towns and cities across Maine have instituted local regulations on single-use plastic bags. At least another six are considering similar ordinances.

Meanwhile, Maine retailers are showing support for a state ban or fee on plastic bags. The Retail Association of Maine reported that about two-thirds of member respondents in a recent survey said they support a state-level remedy. It’s viewed as better than having to deal with a hodge-podge of different local rules in various municipalities around Maine, an association official said.

Should Maine approve a ban or restrictions, it would be the first state in New England to do so, coming in ahead of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. California passed a statewide ban several years ago. Hawaii effectively has a statewide ban because of county-level regulations throughout the island state. Washington, Oregon, New York and New Jersey are among the other states considering state-level action to clampdown on single-use plastic bags.

In recent years, the movement to ban or restrict single-use plastic bags has grown around the U.S. and internationally. The impetus is environmental. Ban/restriction advocates say the bags cause rampant litter, pollute habitat, threaten wildlife, are not biodegradable, and more.

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