From AP RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawmakers have checked out an experimental ban on plastic bags on North Carolina’s barrier islands, and they are sold on the idea.
The Senate agreed 44-2 to Monday night to House changes to a bill pushed by Senate leader Marc Basnight of Dare County designed to preserve environment and protect wildlife. The measure now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue for her signature.
The bill only would apply to large stores on islands or peninsulas in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties. It would require stores to use paper bags or have their customers bring in reusable bags.
Supporters have said the Outer Banks attract millions of tourists annually in part because they’re clean. They also say the bags can be swallowed by turtles that choke on them.
