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Summary
- As per the law, anyone above the age of 16 who intentionally litter plastic outdoors will be fined US$25. It also prohibits the release of 50 gas balloons or more in the air within an hour.
- The goal is also to reduce single-use plastics at all government departments and higher education institutions. The state agencies have been given 120 days to discontinue plastic use.
- Some exemptions have been made. For instance, buying, selling or distributing disposable plastic bags, straws and cutlery, and single-use plastic water bottles were allowed for restaurants.
Environmentalists have lauded Virginia’s new law as a noble endeavor to reduce plastic trash that causes irreparable harm to the Earth’s fragile ecosystem. It gives more power and resources to the local governments, environmental groups, and businesses to help fight the menace.
The previous Virginia state law, called Dillo’s Rule, gave limited power to municipalities and cities to deal with the problem. However, they can only exercise powers when the state explicitly authorizes them.
Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bill 2159 into law in March after Democratic legislator Nancy Guy introduced it in the House. As per the law, anyone above the age of 16 who intentionally litter non-biodegradable balloons outdoors will be fined US$25. The law also prohibits the release of 50 non-biodegradable balloons or more within an hour.
The current penalty for the offence is around US$5. The proceeds are deposited into the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund. Under the new law, it will have to share the money with Game Protection Fund.
The goal is also to reduce single-use plastics at all government departments and higher education institutions. The state agencies have been given 120 days to discontinue plastic use.
Also Read: CO2 levels shoot up to record high despite COVID-19
Source: Pixabay
Exemptions For Restaurants
However, some exemptions have been made. For instance, buying, selling, or distributing disposable plastic bags, plastic straws and cutlery, polystyrene food service containers, and single-use plastic water bottles have been allowed for restaurant owners.
Also Read: The World Is Shifting to Cleaner Energy Forms, but What About Sustainability?
Plastic Pollution in Oceans
In 2020, NGOs like Lynnhaven River Now and the Surfrider Foundation supported the local municipalities to implement an ordinance against plastic bag use. Jim Deppe, the advocacy coordinator for Lynnhaven River, also stressed the protection of Virginia’s waterways.
Mr Deppe coordinates with the Virginia Coastal Alliance, which comprises 17 organizations from Virginia, to reduce single-use plastic and pollution from the off-shore drilling sites.
Another significant legislation passed by the House this year is the ban on polystyrene packaging by restaurant chains, mainly used for takeout. It will come into effect state-wide from 2025.
Meanwhile, The Surfrider Foundation urges restaurant owners to join its Ocean Friendly Restaurants program to help stop plastic pollution in the oceans. Restaurant owners who participate in the program are listed on the foundation’s websites. They also get promotional materials, such as window stickers and brochures, to educate the masses. Members also get tax benefits from donations to the cause. Its overall mission is to protect the world’s oceans and beaches.
