California becomes first state to ban plastic bags

LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KGO) -- The ban on plastic bags that now covers much of the Bay Area is going statewide after Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 270 on Tuesday. It bans single-use plastic bags throughout California.

At the checkout lines at Diablo Foods in Lafayette they still ask: paper or plastic? But come next summer, the plastic option will be no more.

"Okay, I think that's fine. We have to start doing some of those things. But until they become a law, people won't," said Mardi Linville, a shopper.

Linville says she always packs her canvas re-usable bags, but sometimes will use plastic bags if she doesn't bring enough re-usable bags.

The statewide ban signed into law takes effect for supermarkets and big stores next summer. It will extend to convenience stores and smaller businesses the following summer. Legislation is meant to encourage consumers to bring their own bags and as a way to reduce litter.

Opponents of the plastic bag ban say it will cost manufacturing jobs in California and impose unfair costs on consumers, who will be charged 10 cents for each re-usable bag.

Within minutes of signing the bill, the American Plastic Bag Alliance vowed to continue fighting. In a statement, they said, "We have taken the necessary steps to gather signatures and qualify a referendum to repeal SB 270 on the November 2016 ballot."

But many customers didn't seem too concerned about the coming changes. "I think it's a good idea. Not a big deal at all," said one customer. "It's a great idea. It's a great plan. I'm glad it's enacted," explained another.

In Lafayette, a local ordinance banning plastic bags is currently being considered and public comment is still open on the issue. If it's enacted before the state ban, all other local measures would be grandfathered in.