Mass. Gov. Bans State Agencies From Buying Plastic Bottles

SEP 19 2023·Updated AUG 27

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced that she will sign an executive order banning state agencies from buying single-use plastic bottles, making Mass. the first state in the US to enact such a measure.
WBUR News
Healey, a Democrat, announced her decision at the annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting, where also revealed that she will sign an executive order directing the state to set biodiversity goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
CBS News
Healey said her plans seek to slow down the loss of salt marshes and explore strategies to protect Massachusetts’ coastal and ocean habitats. The state currently lists 432 native plant and animal species as “endangered.”
WCVB
Healey clarified that her ban will only apply to state agencies and to single-use plastic bottles. Many Mass. municipalities have banned plastic bags, bottles, and straws, opting for plastic alternatives.
NBC Boston
Over 20 cities and towns in Mass have regulated single-use bottles, and now 10 states as well as Washington D.C. have laws banning or charging extra for single-use plastic bottles.
USA Today
Healey said she would sign the order this week, and it would go into effect immediately.
WCVB

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The Spin

Left narrative

Gov. Maura Healey is taking the bold lead to protect Massachusetts’ environment and put her state at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. The effects of climate change are apparent in everyday life. Single-use bottles are a massive contributor to plastic waste, and no measure is too small if it contributes to protecting the environment.

GBH

Right narrative

Another out-of-touch coastal Democrat has made a symbolic executive order that will only result in inconvenience while doing nothing to authentically address climate change. Democratic politicians love to grandstand as they “fight” for environmental justice, but it remains to be seen if their policies are anything more than a woke nuisance.