SACRAMENTO, Calif.: A broad coalition of Californians, including the California State Conference of the NAACP, the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, and the American Chemistry Council, today applauded the California State Senate as it rejected a bill to ban plastic bags and place a hidden tax on paper bags.

The Bill, AB 1998, threatened 1,000 well-paying manufacturing jobs for hard-working Californians, placed a hidden tax on grocery bills and created a $4 million new state bureaucracy.

"We congratulate Senate members for discarding a costly bill that provides no real solutions to California's litter problem and would have further jeopardized California's already strained economy," said Tim Shestek, senior director of State Affairs for the American Chemistry Council.

"Plastic bag makers look forward to working with grocers, legislators and environmental groups to develop workable, effective legislation that enables consumer choice, promotes recycling education and encourages a healthy environment and economy," Shestek said.

AB 1998 was opposed by a group of more than 500 small retailers, business associations, and organizations throughout the state. For a full list of those opposed to AB 1998 and more information about the problems with AB 1998, visit www.stopthebagpolice.com.

A growing number of states and cities around the United States – including California, New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Chicago, New York City and Tucson – have passed legislation to promote at-store recycling programs as a practical and effective means to reduce waste from plastic bags and wraps. Plastic bag makers support these approaches and are working cooperatively with grocers and retailers in many communities to establish and expand recycling programs.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council