Current:Home > FinanceIn a first, Massachusetts to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies-LoTradeCoin
In a first, Massachusetts to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies
View Date:2024-12-24 03:07:36
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! (24183)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Red Velvet, Please
- Camila Alves Dispels Getting High, Laid Back Image of Husband Matthew McConaughey
- Some states reject federal money to find and replace dangerous lead pipes
- Bachelor Nation's Jason Tartick Reflects on Tidal Waves of Depression Amid Kaitlyn Bristowe Breakup
- 2 Florida women charged after shooting death of photographer is livestreamed
- Tropical Storm Harold path live updates: System makes landfall in Texas
- Dentist convicted of killing wife on African safari gets life sentence, $15M in penalties
- 'Portrait of a con man': Bishop Sycamore documentary casts brutal spotlight on Roy Johnson
- 1 monkey captured, 42 monkeys still on the loose after escaping research facility in SC
- Zendaya's New Hair Transformation Is Giving Rachel From Friends
Ranking
- School workers accused of giving special needs student with digestive issue hot Takis, other abuse
- S&P just downgraded some big banks. Here are the 5 that are impacted.
- See Nick Jonas Carry Daughter Malti in IKEA Basket on Central Park Outing With Priyanka Chopra
- Man stranded on uninhabited island for 3 days off Florida coast rescued after shooting flares
- Kelly Rowland and Nelly Reunite for Iconic Performance of Dilemma 2 Decades Later
- In the basketball-crazed Philippines, the World Cup will be a shining moment
- More mayo please? Titans rookie Will Levis' love for mayonnaise leads to lifetime deal
- Ecuadorians head to the polls just weeks after presidential candidate assassinated
Recommendation
-
Angels sign Travis d'Arnaud: Former All-Star catcher gets multiyear contract in LA
-
Biden-Harris campaign adds new senior adviser to Harris team
-
In the 1930s, bank robberies were a craze. This one out of Cincinnati may take the cake.
-
Man drowns trying to rescue wife, her son in fast-moving New Hampshire river
-
Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
-
How Ron DeSantis used Florida schools to become a culture warrior
-
Spotless arrival: Rare giraffe without coat pattern is born at Tennessee zoo
-
Woman admits bribing state employee to issue driver’s licenses without a road test