Denver Comes Closer to 5-Cent Bag Fee

After a public hearing, the council will vote on the final bill on September 30.

September 18, 2013

DENVER – Despite a rumored veto by the mayor, the Denver City Council gave a provisional nod to a 5-cent-per-bag fee, the Denver Post reports. The council will vote on the final measure at the end of the month, after holding a public hearing for comments.

Seven out of 13 council members approved the bill, which has stirred up controversy on the council. Mayor Michael Hancock has been vocal about not liking the bill, expressing his concern that the fee would hit the poor and elderly hardest.

Championed by Councilwoman Debbie Ortega, the proposal’s stated goal is to lower the number of plastic bags littering the city. City residents use an estimated 130 million single-use plastic bags yearly. “You don't have to pay 5 cents if you bring your own bags,” said Ortega. “We are not banning bags. We are choosing to give people a choice.”

Denver would split the nickel between the retailer and the city, with the city keeping 3 cents and stores receiving 2 cents to run the program. City officials predict the fee would bring in around $1.6 million in its first year, with future years expected to generate less revenue.

Councilman Charlie Brown has heard from many constituents about this issue. “I can assure you people are upset by this proposal,” he said. “I don't understand the benefit to our citizens. A feel-good bill is not good public policy to me. I cannot support this.”

Around 150 U.S. cities have fees for plastic and/or paper bags or have banned plastic bags, including Aspen, Colo.; Austin, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle. New York City has proposed a 10-cent per bag fee, while San Diego is considering an outright ban on plastic bags.

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