In January 2008, the New York City Council passed a law creating the most expansive plastic bag recycling program in the nation. In June of this year, the State Legislature passed a bill that would bring plastic bag recycling to the entirety of New York State.

The State legislation initially threatened to preempt the Council’s law, and would have drastically reduced the number of city stores required to accept bags from consumers. However, upon signing the bill into law, Governor Paterson announced an agreement on legislation that grandparents in the City’s plastic bag law, so as to allow it to remain in full force and effect.

Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn:

“Today marks a great victory for environmental responsibility in New York City and throughout the State. Thanks to the efforts of the City Council and a host of environmental advocates, the legislation signed by Governor Paterson has been altered to preserve the City’s landmark plastic bag recycling law.

‘This updated legislation gives New Yorkers the best of both worlds. It creates a program that will bring responsible recycling to communities throughout the state, while allowing the City to go further in our own efforts to prevent bags from polluting our streets and waterways or clogging our landfills.

“I want to express my overwhelming gratitude to Governor Paterson, Assembly Speaker Silver, and legislative leaders for working with us to protect the City’s law. The Council is proud to have been a leader on the issue of plastic bag recycling, and we will continue our efforts to keep New York City a pioneer in innovative, far reaching environmental policy.”

Statement by Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr., primary sponsor of the City legislation:

“We thank Albany for allowing New York City to enforce its own cutting edge recycling law, which will keep our city on the forefront of environmental stewardship.”

Statement by Environmental Protection Committee Chair Michael E. McMahon:

“New Yorkers want to recycle their plastic bags, and this agreement will make sure that opportunity is not taken away from them. I thank the Governor and State Legislature for helping us preserve the strongest law possible, one that is tailored to the unique needs of New York City.”