Current:Home > InvestIn a first, Massachusetts to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
In a first, Massachusetts to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies
View Date:2024-12-24 07:59:17
BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order Thursday that she says will make Massachusetts the first state to ban the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies.
Massachusetts buys about 100,000 of the plastic water bottles each year.
The order bars all executive offices and agencies in Massachusetts from purchasing any single-use plastic bottles under 21 fluid ounces except in cases of emergency. Healey, a Democrat, said the executive order takes effect immediately.
Healey also signed a second executive order that she said will set state biodiversity conservation goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050 — and develop strategies to meet those targets. She said protections will be among the first to extend to coastal and marine habitats.
“Massachusetts has a long history of being first in the nation, and we’re proud to be the first to set long-term targets for biodiversity and to ban state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles,” Healey said Thursday.
She said the state will be looking at strategies such as “marine protected areas” to help make sure that coastal and ocean habitats critical to biodiversity can recover and thrive while also ensuring the state helps maintains a climate-resilient landscape for the future.
Christy Leavitt, campaign director at the conservation group Oceana, said other states and the federal government should follow the state’s lead.
“Single-use plastics are polluting our oceans, devastating ecosystems, and harming our climate. The only solution is to stop the problem at its source by reducing the amount of plastic companies produce and use,” Leavitt said in a written statement.
(backslash)
veryGood! (9)
Related
- US inflation may have picked up in October after months of easing
- Taylor Swift and Matty Healy Break Up After Whirlwind Romance
- Idaho Murder Case: Ethan Chapin's Mom Shares How Family Is Coping After His Death
- House Republicans request interviews with Justice Department officials in Hunter Biden probe
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- New York Mayor Champions Economic Justice in Sustainability Plan
- A German Initiative Seeks to Curb Global Emissions of a Climate Super-Pollutant
- Laura Rapidly Intensified Over a Super-Warm Gulf. Only the Storm Surge Faltered
- College Football Playoff bracket: Complete playoff picture after latest rankings
- EPA Plans to Rewrite Clean Water Act Rules to Fast-Track Pipelines
Ranking
- Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
- The Idol Costume Designer Natasha Newman-Thomas Details the Dark, Twisted Fantasy of the Fashion
- Go Hands-Free With 70% Off Deals on Coach Belt Bags
- Christine King Farris, sister of Martin Luther King Jr., dies at age 95
- Satire publication The Onion acquires Alex Jones' Infowars at auction
- Bling Empire Stars Pay Tribute to “Mesmerizing” Anna Shay Following Her Death
- House Votes to Block Arctic Wildlife Refuge Drilling as Clock Ticks Toward First Oil, Gas Lease Sale
- How the Trump Administration’s Climate Denial Left Its Mark on The Arctic Council
Recommendation
-
US Diplomats Notch a Win on Climate Super Pollutants With Help From the Private Sector
-
Jennifer Hudson Celebrates Son David's Middle School Graduation
-
Malaria confirmed in Florida mosquitoes after several human cases
-
10 Brands That Support LGBTQIA+ Efforts Now & Always: Savage X Fenty, Abercrombie, TomboyX & More
-
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
-
Chuck Todd Is Leaving NBC's Meet the Press and Kristen Welker Will Become the New Host
-
You'll Love Ariana Grande Harder for Trolling Her Own Makeup Look
-
Power Giant AEP Talks Up Clean Energy, but Coal Is Still King in Its Portfolio