HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2008-051 N.C.S. 03/17/2008Resolution No. 2008-051 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF PETALUMA'S REPRESENTATIVE ON
THE SONOMA COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY BOARD TO VOTE IN
SUPPORT OF A COUNTYWIDE BAN ON PETROLEUM BASED PLASTIC BAGS
WHEREAS, California is currently faced with the daunting challenge of managing
millions of tons of postconsumer plastic annually generated in the state, almost half of which is
petroleum based plastic film, from which shopping bags are made; and,
WHEREAS, the very qualities that make polyethylene plastic film the material of choice
for manufacture of grocery bags -low weight, high strength, and ability to transport products
efficiently -also make it a challenge to collect and recycle; and,
WHEREAS, there are negative environmental impacts to the production and use of
petroleum-based plastic bags; and,
WHEREAS, in spite of efforts to enhance recycling programs, plastic is recycled at only
about a 5 percent rate, nationwide; and,
WHEREAS, to combat the rising volume of discarded plastic film, the California
Legislature passed AB 2449 requiring implementation of an "at-store" statewide plastic bag
recycling program as of July 1, 2007; and,
WHEREAS, AB 2449 prohibits local entities from imposing more stringent "at-store''
plastic bag recycling and reporting requirements and also prohibits local imposition of a carryout
plastic bag fee if a store is in compliance with AB 2449; and,
WHEREAS, a second bill, AB 2058, has been introduced in the current legislative
session and would require large retailers to meet specific diversion rates by 2011 and 2013 or
begin charging a fee for each plastic bag given to customers; and
WHEREAS, alternative measures include development of biodegradable plastic, which
is, as of yet, expensive and problematic in composting, as well as state regulations to increase the
use of recycled plastic in the manufacture of trash bags; and,
WHEREAS, until these solutions become effective deterrents to the proliferation of
petroleum-based plastic bags, an interim measure is essential and timely in the face of shrinking
landfill options; and,
WHEREAS, an item has been placed on the Sonoma County Waste Management
Agency Board agenda to explore development of a program concerning a countywide ban on
petroleum-based plastic shopping bags.
Resolution No. 2008-051 N.C.S. Page l
NOW, THEREFORE, DE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma authorizes its representative on the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency Board
to vote in support of a countywide ban on petroleum-based plastic shopping bags, with direction
that any such program include consideration of re-use, recycling, and use reduction as well as
cost incentives for the use of cloth bags.
BE IT' FURTHER RESOLVED that any final program proposing a ban be returned to
SCWMA members for ratification after full consideration of potential liability and detailed
recommendations for any necessary amendments to SCWMA governing documents.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the A rov d as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 17`'' day of March, ~ foz~:
2008, by the following vote:
AYES: Barrett, Freitas, Harris, Nau, Vice Mayor Rabbitt, Mayor Torliatt
NOES: O'Brien
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Cify Attorney
Resolution No. ?008-051 N.C.S. Page 2