A December 4 Gazette.net article discusses  legislation that will likely be introduced in the 2012 session that would authorize Prince George’s County to establish a fee on disposable plastic bags.

Prince George’s County’s state lawmakers were asked Saturday to help establish a fee for using disposable bags, arguing that the bags contribute to pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and are eyesores.  …

“Plastic bags are everywhere,” said Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist 21) of Beltsville, a co-sponsor of the bill, at a public hearing at Prince George’s Community College in Largo. She said that reducing the volume of bags could reduce clean-up costs to the county.

A specific fee amount is not included in the proposed legislation, but County Councilwoman Mary Lehman (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel told delegates at the hearing that a possible plan would see customers charged for disposable bags they use, but given a rebate of 5 to 10 cents for each re-useable bag they bring to do their shopping—meaning it would be possible to avoid the fee altogether.

The article also notes that concerns were raised regarding the impact of a fee on people with a fixed income and potential health risks associated with reusable bags and fresh meats.

December 7 coverage from The Diamondback