Statement: Environment Missouri supports promising effort to end plastic pre-emption laws

Proposed legislation to rescind harmful plastic rule would be a difference maker

Environment Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY — State Rep. Ingrid Burnett filed a bill (HB 227) Tuesday that would repeal Missouri’s plastic pre-emption law. This regulation prohibits local governments from regulating the use of single-use plastic bags. By rescinding it, counties and municipalities would be allowed to ban these pollution-causing plastic containers and replace them with more environmentally friendly options, such as reusable bags or paper. 

Environment Missouri Director Bridget Sanderson issued the following statement on the announcement of the bill.

“It is pre-filing day for the Missouri legislature so it is still too early to tell how the 2021 legislative session will turn out for the environment. However, Environment Missouri is pleased to see the introduction of this bill by Rep. Ingrid Burnett. In order to reduce our plastic waste Missouri must return control over the vital issue of plastic regulations to local authorities. This is an important step in protecting our clean water and wildlife across the state and we look forward to working with Representative Burnett on getting this bill passed. After all, nothing we use for a few minutes should be allowed to pollute our rivers and threaten our wildlife for centuries.” 

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Environment Missouri works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment Missouri is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups.