Florida Legislature to local governments: You can't ban plastic straws
Florida Legislature to local governments: You can't ban plastic straws
TALLAHASSEE — Local governments won’t be able to ban plastic straws for the next five years under a bill approved by the Legislature and headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The measure is the latest example of the constant tug-of-war between the Legislature and cities and counties over home rule.
Currently, 10 cities across the state have rules governing the use of plastic straws, which some say are a threat to the environment.
The House passed the bill (HB 771) last week, If DeSantis signs it, local governments would not be able to enforce any ordinance banning plastic straws until July 2024 at the earliest.
The vote Tuesday in the Republican-controlled Senate was largely along party lines.
Under the bill, the research arm of the Legislature would also be required to conduct a study of “each ordinance or regulation adopted” by local governments related to single-use plastic straws. A report of the study would need to be submitted by December to Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes.
Rather than focusing on the environmental impacts of plastic-straw bans, the study would focus on the “data and conclusions” used in adopting local ordinances.
This has irked environmental groups, which argue that sufficient evidence already exists that plastic pollution is detrimental to the environment. When lawmakers considered the proposal in committee hearings, groups often brought up a study by the World Economic Forum that said there will be more plastic by weight than fish in oceans by 2050.
State lawmakers have also taken aim at other local regulations that were enacted to protect the environment. One of those efforts is in a bill by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine.
That bill targets local ordinances that restrict the sale and use of sunscreens containing certain chemicals that studies have found to damage coral reefs.
Orlando Sentinel
Replies
21
Skunky
Big plastic paying off the politcos
Beach Lover
I hear that in San Francisco, they banned plastic straws but the give out free plastic syringes to addicts.
Skunky
I heard on NPR this morning that Maine is contemplating a ban on Styrofoam cups and take out boxes. Sounds good to me.
SoWal GuideAuthor
I hear that in San Francisco, they banned plastic straws but the give out free plastic syringes to addicts.And this is all good news
Beach Fanatic
Big government prevails and we lose again!
Medical clinics in Africa use disposable syringes over and over and over because they can't afford new ones. A main reason why they still have a problem with AIDS on the Continent.
Medical clinics in Africa use disposable syringes over and over and over because they can't afford new ones. A main reason why they still have a problem with AIDS on the Continent.
Beach Fanatic
How unfortunate, but private enterprise can decide to do the right thing regardless of what local, state, or federal government decides to do. I hope that plastic and styrofoam both become conveniences of the past in the next decade and that people will look to the future to make decisions for the present. If we don't, there will be little of our beautiful earth left to appreciate in future generations.
Beach Fanatic
I have stopped using straws and lids. Thinking about bringing my own cup in at self serve restaurants.
Beach Fanatic
Did not realize the plastic straw industry had such a powerful lobbyist.
Beach Fanatic
I heard that everyone will be using sippy cups by 2020.
SoWal GuideAuthor
How about just a glass or cup?
Beach Lover
I thought that they had developed biodegradable plastics that disintegrate over time..
Beach Lover
How about just a glass or cup?Yes, I really want to step on a broken glass when I'm walking on the beach.
SoWal GuideAuthor
Yes, I really want to step on a broken glass when I'm walking on the beach.Since when do plates and glasses end up on the beach? Glass is not allowed on the beach. That isn't an issue or problem. It's plastics of all kinds.
SoWal GuideAuthor
BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis has delivered his first veto tonight, trashing a prohibition on local governments like St. Petersburg in banning the use of plastic straws.
Plastic straws are out: Ron DeSantis vetoes prohibition of local straw bans
Plastic straws are out: Ron DeSantis vetoes prohibition of local straw bans
Beach Fanatic
How unfortunate, but private enterprise can decide to do the right thing regardless of what local, state, or federal government decides to do. I hope that plastic and styrofoam both become conveniences of the past in the next decade and that people will look to the future to make decisions for the present. If we don't, there will be little of our beautiful earth left to appreciate in future generations.
I outlawed plastic starting 7 years ago in all of my restaurants. Only corn based plastics and paper and paper straws. I quit selling Fiji water because it was in single use plastic containers. It costs more but it is the right thing to do.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, I really want to step on a broken glass when I'm walking on the beach.How does glass on the beach have anything to do with straws?
Beach Fanatic
Obviously NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Beach Fanatic
Less than 1% of all garbage in the ocean comes from this country. It is a third world problem not a US issue. Banning plastic straws will have no impact. Now plastic bottles - that's another issue.
SoWal GuideAuthor
Less than 1% of all garbage in the ocean comes from this country. It is a third world problem not a US issue. Banning plastic straws will have no impact. Now plastic bottles - that's another issue.It's a start. The importance of this veto allows local governments in Florida to do what they can to reduce single use plastics and other chemical pollution to protect fragile environments and waterways.
Keep going. Florida has a fragile and exceptional natural environment worth protecting. The state has not advanced much in the way of environmental protection and this needs to change. Maybe local governments can take the lead.
Beach Fanatic
#211
Beach Fanatic
Less than 1% of all garbage in the ocean comes from this country. It is a third world problem not a US issue. Banning plastic straws will have no impact. Now plastic bottles - that's another issue.That's the kind of attitude that has our planet suffering.
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