The sponsors of a bill to ban single use plastic bags in New York are optimistic that the measures will be part of the new state budget. But there are still details to be worked out, including whether there should be a fee on paper bags.
Lawmakers and environmental groups, stood outside the Assembly chambers, in a Capitol filled with groups making their last minute pitches for items in the state budget.
Assemblyman Sean Ryan, of Buffalo, held up a crumpled plastic bag, saying the overuse of the bags is an environmental scourge.