Hein: “more than just a simple environmental issue”
KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, Friday, signed
the local law that restricts single-use plastic bags and encourages reusable
bags in their place. He was joined by environmentalists, health officials,
legislators, and other supporters.
The law takes effect next June and does not impose any penalties until
the following year. A lengthy public outreach and education program will
commence.
There will be waivers for people on food stamps and WIC.
“The reality is this, this is more than just a simple environmental
issue; it’s a public health crisis,” Hein said, adding that
trillions of plastic bags are produced every year, with only one percent
recycle rate. The chemical byproducts harm wildlife and human health,
he said.
“We can either choose not to give ourselves cancer, to absolutely
make a difference in our community,” Hein said, pointing out that
Ulster County seeks to set an example as a leader on progressive environmental
and health related issues statewide and beyond.
County Legislator Tracy Bartels, the bill’s sponsor, said the effort
has been 10 years in the making, and that the result is a bipartisan effort.
Legislators Kathy Nolan, Manna Jo Greene, Lynn Eckert, Laura Petit, Heidi
Haynes and Brian Woltman were on hand to applaud the measure.
“We are literally drowning in plastics,” agreed County Health
Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith, who called her inclusion in the process
a great honor, while reading off a litany of health effects caused by
plastics and their byproducts.
