AUGUSTA - Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, presented a measure Monday that would phase out the use of unnecessary plastic packaging that harms the environment and human health.
"There are so many reasons we should transition from single-use plastic packaging to alternative materials that are better for human health and better for our planet," said Gramlich. "Plastic waste litters our roadways and coastline, harming wildlife and breaking down into microscopic pieces that are ingested by humans and animals alike. Plastic production and disposal emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Single-use plastics also expose people to harmful chemicals that can leach into our food and water".
LD 1645 would prohibit the sale of certain plastic packaging, including polystyrene and PVC packaging, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. It would also give the state Department of Environmental Protection the authority to identify additional plastic packaging materials to phase out in the future.
At Monday's public hearing, Gramlich also proposed an amendment to exempt plastic packaging used for medical equipment, veterinary equipment and pesticides.
"Phasing out problematic plastic materials is not only the right thing to do but is also perfectly feasible," said Gramlich. "We have a number of affordable, renewable and recyclable alternatives to materials, like swapping polystyrene packing peanuts for compostable peanuts, paper or cardboard. This proposal protects our environment and consumers without interrupting the shipping and distribution of the products Maine people are purchasing."
The overwhelming majority of plastic waste is not recycled. According to estimates, roughly 85% of plastic waste generated in the U.S. ends up in landfills while an additional 10% is incinerated. Only about 5% is recycled.
"Based on projections from the World Energy Council, if plastics production and incineration increase as expected, greenhouse gas emissions will increase to 49 million metric tons by 2030 and 91 million metric tons by 2050," said Ania Wright, legislative and political specialist at the Sierra Club Maine. "We must act to regulate plastics at all levels-from production, to transportation, to use, to disposal. The era of single-use plastics in our everyday lives is one that needs to be relegated to the past-and quickly."
In recent years, Maine lawmakers have passed a number of measures restricting single-use plastics. Those include laws to end the use of most plastic bags and polystyrene foam food service containers. Maine also passed a landmark law in 2021 that requires companies to cover the cost of recycling the packaging materials they use.
The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee will hold a work session on the bill Thursday, May 18, at which time members of the committee will have the opportunity to debate and offer amendments before voting on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Gramlich is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach. She is the House chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Gramlich], c. 305-965-2744