Action Alert: Stop NCGA from Curbing Bans on Plastic Bags

We need you to take action to help stop the North Carolina General Assembly from limiting the authority of local governments to ban plastic bags and styrofoam!

A draft conference report of the state budget released to the media includes language that would prohibit counties (§ 153A-145.11) and cities (§ 160A-205.6) from passing ordinances, resolutions, or rules that would restrict, tax, or charge a fee on auxiliary containers — the definition of which includes bags, cups, bottles, and other packaging.

This language would preempt local control and undermine existing provisions of the NC Solid Waste Management Act that give counties and cities the authority to ban single-use plastic bags and other forms of packaging and the use of plastic foam (e.g., styrofoam) in foodware.

The inclusion of the preemption in the budget comes as both Asheville and Durham are considering ordinances to reduce plastic pollution, and the towns of Woodfin and Black Mountain have passed resolutions in support of a Buncombe County-wide ordinance. In 2021, Wilmington also passed a resolution encouraging the reduction of plastic waste.

Efforts to reduce plastic waste are popular among citizens and businesses. A survey from the City of Asheville received nearly 7,000 resident responses and showed support at 80%. Among 57 businesses surveyed in the Asheville area, there was widespread support for a waste reduction ordinance banning single-use plastic bags, plastic takeout containers, and styrofoam products.

Plastic pollution is a threat to our environment and to the health of North Carolina residents. Email your legislators and let them know that our right to protect ourselves from dangerous pollutants is too important to be traded away to fossil fuel and retail industry lobbyists in backroom deals.

Call and email your legislators and tell them to remove any language that would prevent local governments from passing ordinances banning or regulating single-use plastic bags, styrofoam containers, or any other "auxiliary containers."

#### House of Representatives

• Eric Ager: [Eric.Ager@ncleg.gov](mailto:Eric.Ager@ncleg.gov) | 919-715-2013
• Lindsey Prather: [Lindsey.Prather@ncleg.gov](mailto:Lindsey.Prather@ncleg.gov) | 919-733-5746
• Caleb Rudow: [Caleb.Rudow@ncleg.gov](mailto:Caleb.Rudow@ncleg.gov) | 919-715-3012

#### Senate

• Warren Daniel: [Warren.Daniel@ncleg.gov](mailto:Warren.Daniel@ncleg.gov) | 919-715-7823
• Julie Mayfield: [Julie.Mayfield@ncleg.gov](mailto:Julie.Mayfield@ncleg.gov) | 919-715-3001

Don't see your legislators on this list? Contact them via MountainTrue's website. (Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the email form.)