WEST SPRINGFIELD – During the West Springfield Town Council meeting hosted on March 18, the Council discussed an ordinance recently submitted by Councilor Sean Powers.

The General Ordinance would prevent the use of single-use plastic bags for the town of West Springfield.

During the Town Council meeting, Powers explained what compelled him to submit the General Ordinance. “I spent quite an amount of time looking at other towns, authorities and municipalities that have established ordinances and resolutions that are similar to this,” Powers said.

Powers continued, “Last year, we had a Clean-Up West Springfield Day that alerted me to the litter and debris that stems from our day-to-day use of materials; packing materials and the like. It encouraged me to look at alternative means of recycling.”

After researching other areas in the state of Massachusetts, Powers said at the meeting that he concluded that discussion about a plastic bag ban is on par with other cities and towns. “Through my research, I found that it has been talked about at the state level on a few occasions and currently there is just about more than 80 cities or towns in Massachusetts that have passed regulations that are similar to this,”

Powers shared, “The purpose of the ordinance itself is to reduce plastic bags and their significant and harmful longterm affects on the environment in an effort to ensure the usage of recyclable materials are going to be increased.”

The ordinance allows for two one-year exemptions from the bill for small businesses in town. “I tried to consider that when I was writing this. I understand that there can be hardships. There is a process where you can apply to the town to allow that hardship to go into affect,” Powers said.

Powers explained to the Town Council that this plastic bag ordinance would not affect the use of plastic in dry cleaning products, produce, meat, cheeses or newspapers.

Powers said, “I think this will be great for our local businesses. I have talked to some in the essence of being prepared if it does become an actual law at the state level. I think it’s going to be good for the town as a whole and encourages us to move towards a greener pathway.”

Powers concluded, “I’m looking forward to having a discussion on this. I think it’s a great step to take.”

Councilor Nathan Bech said, “I’m not speaking for or against this ordinance tonight, but I do appreciate, Councilor Powers, the hard work that you have done to bring this forward and I do look forward to hashing this all out in committee.”

Councilor Michael Eger said he would like to hear the opinions of the community as part of the discussion. “I’m undecided on this one, but for the purpose of tonight, I’d like to really hear feedback from the community so I’m going to vote to debate this,” Eger said.

Councilor Brian Griffin commended the Town Council for their openness to discussion on the ordinance. “Just based on past experience and the experience I’ve had, if a councilor wants to proceed with something, as my colleagues have said just now, move forward with the debate and collectively gain whatever concerns that are out there. I appreciate my colleagues and how they’ve thought about this. I appreciate the hard work Councilor Powers is doing to bring this forward. Whether it comes to fruition or not, the debate will be great. It’s something new when the councilors are producing and trying to change things,” Griffin said.

The Town Council voted unanimously to move the ordinance forward for further discussion on the subcommittee level.