Bronx BP Blasts "Bag Fee"

The choice between paper and plastic at the grocery store in New York City could soon be a costly one. Lawmakers are considering charging shoppers up to ten cents per plastic bag. But, one elected official is not keen on a bag fee. 

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. fired off a letter Friday to the bill's chief sponsor, Councilman Brad Lander.  Diaz gets the legislation aims to protect the environment, but says a lot of New Yorkers simply can't afford another fee.

 

"We want to protect the environment, but we have to be very careful in our efforts that we don't do this on the backs of low-income individuals." 

 

But, Bronx resident Christine Canelli says a bag fee would raise environmental awareness.

 

"'Til they pay something, they don't think about it."

 

The Borough President proposes alternative incentives, like free recyclable bags and rebates for shoppers who bring their own totes.