Alaska House Bill 230 -Plastic Bag fee, Marine Debris and Litter Fund

This bill to enact a plastic bag fee has been in the legislature since March 30, 2007. Sponsored by Representatives Doll and Kerttula of Juneau, it is simple and succinct, and probably makes too much sense to a converted ex plastic bag user like myself. When i inquired by email as to the status of the the bill and why it had been withdraw twice, the relply I recieved is s follows:

HB 230 did not receive the reception we would have liked in House State Affairs committee, the Senate companion bill, SB 118, was passed out of Senate Labor & Commerce committee yesterday, April 2, and has been referred on to the Senate Resources committee. The bill was amended in committee to have a graduated tax assessment of 5 cents the first year, 10 cents the second year, and finally 15 cents the third year.
Unfortunately, there is little time remaining in the session for the bill to get through enough committees to get to a final vote of either legislative body, but we will likely be looking at the prospects of getting an early start on it next session.

The hearing in House State Affairs committee on HB 230 was cancelled because there were efforts underway to amend the bill in such a way that it would not be able to accomplish its purpose. It was felt that it would be best to send the bill through the Senate committees where it would retain its original form and purpose.

The gradual increase in fee price does not make sense and seems like political manuevering to not make the wave too big. If we are going to make a statement about consumer behavior, waste and litter then we should make a statement and not a half hearted whisper.

I hope Doll and Kerttula stick to their guns and not cave to political pressure to maintain the status quo.