Calif Supreme Court upholds plastic bag bans

Posted in The Mercury News July 15th, 2011   SAN FRANCISCO—The California Supreme Court has upheld plastic bag bans in a unanimous decision applauded by environmentalists.    The court ruled Thursday that Manhattan Beach can ban grocery stores and other retailers from using plastic bags without doing a full environmental study on the subsequent increased use of paper bags. Dan Jacobson of the group Environment California says it's a victory for safeguarding the health of the ocean. Plastic bag bans have already been approved by San Francisco, Long Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica, Marin County, San Jose, Calabasas and Los Angeles County. The San Jose Mercury News says the city of San Carlos may now prohibit the use of plastic bags. San Carlos leaders were waiting for the high court ruling because an environmental study could cost the city $150,000.