‘Shopping Bag Freedom Act’ aims to expunge Austin’s bag ban
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Austin gave plastic bags the boot at the start of this month, but, now one representative at the State Capitol is trying to reverse the ban on bags.
Rep. Drew Springer has proposed what he calls the “Shopping Bag Freedom Act.” Several people came out for a hearing on the bill Wednesday.
Opponents say it’s not just about saving city dollars and protecting the environment—it’s about control.
"I think that we should be very suspicious of anybody who runs for office on the issue of keeping big government out of decisions that are best made at a local level," Andrew Dobbs with Texas Campaign for the Environment said. "That then turns around and on the behest of industry, says, 'Oh, we're not going to let local governments decide on this.’”
Rep. Springer says the bill is about empowering consumers to make their own decisions.
"Elites and bureaucrats always want to tell us regular citizens better ways we can live our lives. I think Texans are smart enough to weigh pros and cons and decide for themselves what they want," he said in a statement.