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Elected leaders and New York State agencies, including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers—we are very grateful for their continued efforts.
This public health crisis impacted the state’s ability to enforce certain environmental laws, however; as we “re-open” our state, it is imperative that we move to enforce laws that protect our health and environment. Laws to provide clean air, clean water, and healthy communities are as important now as ever.
In May, CCE joined with 122 organizations from across the state in calling on the DEC to do three important things:
Enforce the statewide plastic bag ban. While the law took effect on March 1, due to an industry lawsuit, the state extended the start date of enforcing the bag ban until at least June 15. There is no need to delay this any further—the DEC should implement the plastic bag ban as soon as possible.
Inform stores that they cannot prohibit people from using their own reusable bags. CCE has received numerous reports that some stores prohibit consumers from using reusable bags. Reusable bags remain an environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective option for the public to use when shopping at the store. Currently, there is no credible peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the claim that reusable bags contribute to the transmission of COVID-19. Retail employees may ask consumers to pack their own groceries in reusable bags out of an abundance of caution.
Enforce the Bottle Bill*. Adopted in 1982, the Bottle Bill has served as one of NY’s most successful environmental laws. The five-cent deposit on beverage containers has increased recycling, reduced litter, created jobs, and saved energy and natural resources. Like other bottle deposit states, NY relaxed enforcement to help struggling retail establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension was not due to public health concerns—the DEC states “there is no evidence that suggests that management of residential wastes or recyclables, including returned containers through the Bottle Bill, represents a danger to the public.” Like other bottle deposit states are doing, New York should re-start enforcement as soon as possible.
*Update: As of June 3, 2020, the New York State DEC reinstated enforcement of the Bottle Bill! If you see covered retail establishments that are out of compliance and not taking back deposit bottles, please let the DEC know by emailing nybottle@dec.ny.gov .
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE