House lawmakers advanced bills today, over Republican objections, to limit the use of plastic straws and Styrofoam containers.
One bill would ban Styrofoam containers at food service businesses statewide, except in the case of some grocery products.
The other bill would require restaurants to only make plastic straws available on request. They could still offer self-serve straw dispensers, as well as straws made of alternate materials.
Republicans argued the change will be annoying for consumers without having much impact.
But Democrat Christy Bartlett, who chairs the House Commerce committee, says youth climate activists urged lawmakers to pass the proposal.
"We need to start somewhere to reduce our use of plastic," Bartlett said.
Both bills head now to the Senate.
