Oregon Senate splits on plastic: Votes to ban bags but not foam

In a single day, the Oregon Senate took one step forward against plastic pollution, but opted against taking another.

On June 11, the Senate passed a statewide ban on single-use plastic grocery bags. Just moments later, the Senate came just one vote short of passing HB 2883, a statewide ban on food containers made of polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam.

“Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s rivers, oceans and wildlife,” said Environment Oregon State Director Celeste Meiffren-Swango. “Environment Oregon canvassers working on our Wildlife Over Waste campaign have talked to tens of thousands of Oregonians who support banning polystyrene foam takeout containers and cups. It’s clear that reducing plastic pollution resonates with Oregonians.”

With the governor’s signature, Oregon became the sixth state in the country to ban plastic grocery bags. Environment Oregon will keep raising awareness of the need to reduce plastic pollution, and we hope the Legislature will try again to pass the foam ban in next year’s short session.

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Photo: Oregonians are ready to put wildlife over waste and ban foam statewide. Credit: Staff.