Prince George's County Campaign

UPDATE (2/9/12): Contrary to media reports, this bill is not dead. While a preliminary vote on Wednesday, February 8, did not go in our favor, the committee can still vote again, and the bill can move without the committee's approval. Please continue to tell your legislators that you support PG 402-12. Your personal phone call is most valuable, but emails are also useful. You can send an email and find your legislators' phone numbers here. Delegate Veronica Turner (District 26) particularly needs to hear from you.

2/10/12: The Washington Post Editorial Board has a good op-ed about the issue today. Also, see my take on it on Greater Greater Washington.

We'll keep you updated as things continue to unfold.

Plastic bags are a major source of visual blight in the neighborhoods and waterways of Prince George's County. The County Executive and several County Council members are interested in pursuing a bag fee program, much like is already in place--and successful--in Washington, DC and Montgomery County.

In order to enact this program, the County needs the authorization of the General Assembly. The County has requested this authorization through a local bill, PG 402-12, now under consideration by the County Delegation.

Urge your representatives to support this common-sense proposal and help Prince George's County fight litter. Click here to send an email to your delegates and senator today.

A bag fee will

- Reduce litter in Prince George’s neighborhoods and waterways. Plastic bag use could drop 60% or more.
- Save retailers money by not having to buy as many bags to give away. A single shop owner could save upwards of $1,000 per year.
- Save consumers money when they avoid the hidden cost of “free” bags in higher prices.
- Create green jobs by giving the county valuable funds for community investments such as neighborhood greening, stormwater improvements, watershed implementation plans, etc.
- Distribute thousands of free cloth bags to those in need.

Trash Free Maryland is supporting both the statewide bag fee via the Community Cleanup and Greening Act and Prince George's efforts via PG 402-12 (plus any subsequent campaign to the County Council). This statewide bill would grandfather the existing Montgomery County program and, if PG 402-12 passes, give the Prince George's County Council a window to enact a local bag bill that would also be grandfathered from the state program. If Prince George's enacts a local bag bill, the county would be able to give 100% of the proceeds to water quality improvements while under the statewide bill the county would only get half the proceeds (with the other half of the proceeds going to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for restoration grantmaking). Therefore it is in the county's interest to enact its own program.

For more background, check out our blog post from November, and stay tuned for more updates as the campaign progresses!