BALTIMORE, MD.  —  Today, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young was joined by local and state elected officials, as well as community advocates to sign CCB19-0401, Comprehensive Bag Reduction Act, highlighting Baltimore City’s leadership on environmental issues and building momentum for a statewide push to ban single-use plastic bags. This bill signing also reflects the Mayor's priority to create a cleaner and more sustainable Baltimore City.

“I was proud to sign the Comprehensive Bag Reduction Act into law this morning,” said Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young. “Now, I look forward to supporting Delegate Brooke Lierman as she pushes to enact similar legislation statewide. Once again, Baltimore City is leading the way in creating cleaner neighborhoods and waterways so we can leave our city and state to our children better than we found them.”

“I’m proud to have Baltimore City finally join the list of cities, states, and countries around the globe that have halted the proliferation of single-use plastic bags,” said Councilman Bill Henry, the bill's sponsor.

“On behalf of the National Aquarium, I commend the leadership of Baltimore City for their efforts resulting in this historic signing today,” said John Racanelli, President and CEO of the National Aquarium. “More than ever, we need to dramatically reduce our consumption of single-use plastic; this bill is one step in the right direction and Baltimoreans should be proud to be leaders on this critical issue. We now turn our attention to Annapolis and support the statewide solution to plastic bag litter led by Delegate Brook Lierman. Together, as individuals and with government leadership, we can create a cleaner, safer environment for us all.”

The Comprehensive Bag Reduction Act will go into effect January 13, 2021. This new legislation only applies to plastic checkout bags provided by a retailer at the point of sale.