SPONSOR:	Rep. Brady & Rep. Longhurst & Sen. McDowell
	Rep. Bolden

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 35

SUPPORTING THE CITY OF WILMINGTON'S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION INITIATIVES.

WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington has been a statewide leader in environmental stewardship over the past several years; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington's Recycle Bank program illustrated the potential of curbside recycling to produce significant cost-savings; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington has made numerous investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy that are reducing energy costs, reducing emissions, and supporting local job creation; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington has demonstrated an ability to implement innovative environmental initiatives; and

WHEREAS, City of Wilmington officials have expressed frustration with plastic bags littering waterways, roadways, and neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, cities across the nation have exhibited leadership in reducing plastic bag usage through a range of incentives, regulations, and financial mechanisms to achieve more than 75% reductions in plastic bag waste; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware demonstrated leadership by requiring retailers to provide recycling facilities for plastic bags since 2009; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington is interested in pursuing innovative approaches to reduce litter from single-use plastic bags;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 147^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the General Assembly supports the efforts of the City of Wilmington to reduce plastic bag usage as an important part of the State's goal to significantly reduce plastic bag litter statewide.

SYNOPSIS

This House Concurrent Resolution acknowledges the City of Wilmington as an innovator in environmental stewardship.Also acknowledged are challenges regarding dispensation of single use plastic bags and litter caused as a consequence.By this Resolution, the City of Wilmington is supported in its efforts to reduce single plastic bag dispensation and concurrently reduce litter.