BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 8, 2021
The long-awaited statewide ban on polystyrene foam containers and single-use plastic bags was set to take effect this month. Not only will the ban dramatically reduce the litter and pollution in our streets and waters, it will also cut the toxic emissions that result from burning plastic in incinerators. Unfortunately, the Department of Environmental Protection will not be enforcing the statewide ban for another six months due to “several practical and logistical effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.” While the department has laid out legitimate concerns for delaying enforcement of the bans, we must not buy into the false narrative created by the plastic and fossil fuel industry. They are attempting to undermine the success and momentum of single-use plastic bans across the country. ~ Peter Blair, Conservation Law Foundation