State Rep. Bobby Carroll Votes To Save NYC Bag Fee

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Park Slope State Assemblyman Bobby Carroll criticized the Assembly's vote Tuesday to block the city's five cent fee on non-reusable paper and plastic bags. Carroll, who was elected last year, also represents Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park and Flatbush.

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"Conservation is never easy, it always takes sacrifice, but when you make a measure towards conservation you end up giving a great gift to future generations," Carroll said in a statement.

"It’s easy to avoid paying this fee," Carroll continued in support of the city's bag fee. "If you don’t want to pay it, just bring a reusable bag with you."

The Assembly's bill was approved by the State Senate on Monday, and now heads to the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who had not commented on the legislation as of Tuesday afternoon.

Albany's actions were also roundly criticized by Park Slope Councilman Brad Lander, who issued an "appeal to Governor Cuomo to help us reach a compromise that would allow New York City to try out this effective, common-sense strategy for dealing with the 10 billion plastic bags that pollute our trees, oceans and landfills every year."

Top photo by Kate Ter Harr on Flickr