OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation delaying the implementation of a law banning retailers from using single-use plastic bags.
Inslee issued the proclamation on Friday, saying a law that passed the 2020 legislative session that was set to go into effect on Jan. 1 will be on hold at least through January because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor in a news release cited supply issues affecting retailers’ ability to procure the alternative bags, including, increased demand for paper and thicker plastic bags, due to more demand for takeout and groceries; thicker plastic bag manufacturers turning to make hospital gowns and PPE; and a ban on people bringing bags from home to use at stores to protect workers.
The order will expire at the end of January unless the Legislature extends it, Inslee said.
