Kenney, DiCicco want to reduce plastic use in city

Philadelphia
February 5, 2009

Legislation that would reduce the use of plastic shopping bags and
polystyrene food packaging in Philadelphia has been proposed by two
city councilmen.

Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney say their bills would help improve the
environment by reducing waste. DiCicco noted that plastic bags -
ubiquitous on roadsides - can also damage the city's sewer system.

But this is the second time the two have tried to make this happen.

In a written press statement, Kenney said that the 2007 attempt was
derailed by chemical and oil companies - whose products are used to
make these items - and by some of the large retailers that use them.

"At the time, these industries made commitments to improve recycling
and education efforts," Kenney said.  "To my knowledge, they've not
lived up to any of those commitments."

DiCicco's legislation would ban the use of plastic bags at large
grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience store chains.  He also plans
to introduce an alternative proposal that would charge a "green fee" of
$.25 per bag for all establishments city-wide. This is based on a
successful program in Seattle.

"Our dependence on plastic bags has led to serious environmental
consequences and has impacted the City's sewer system," DiCicco said. 
"We need to reduce our dependence on these products and I'm willing to
explore different options to achieve that goal."

Kenney's legislation would prohibit the use of polystyrene food
packaging when there is an affordable alternative biodegradable or
recyclable product.  "Restricting the use of Styrofoam and requiring
the use of recyclable materials is responsible policy aimed at moving
Philadelphia forward in sustainable practices," Kenney said.  "We need
to encourage people to think about the impact their waste has on our
environment."

In addition, DiCicco and Kenney are set to introduce legislation that
places a $.35 tax on every barrel of petroleum processed in the City of
Philadelphia.  Depending on the level of production in the City's
refinery, the tax would likely raise $20 million.