Governor Cuomo is expected to call for a plastic bag ban when he releases his executive budget this week.
A bill banning single-use plastic bags failed to get by state lawmakers last year but Cuomo is now expected to include it in the executive budget plan, increasing the chances of it passing.
Cuomo says a ban would reduce litter and cut greenhouse gas emissions, but some critics prefer a 5% fee. Cuomo also said yesterday he wants the bottle bill expanded so that most non-alcoholic beverage containers would be eligible for a 5% redemption.