SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon could become the latest state in the nation to prohibit single-use plastic shopping bags.
The Senate voted 17-12 to prohibit grocery stores and restaurants from providing plastic checkout bags. Stores will still able to offer recyclable plastic and paper bags for a minimum 5-cent fee.
The bill now goes to the governor.
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Plastic bags are one of the most common types of beach litter. The World Economic Forum reports 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.
Republicans took issue with the fee saying it punished consumers. Some also said single-use bags are more sanitary.
California was the first state to prohibit plastic bags with New York state following suit earlier this year. Hawaii bans all types of single-use bags, both paper and plastic.
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