In a move that has sparked controversy and is perceived by many as government overreach, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has issued a ban on single-use plastic bottles.
This action by Healey comes on the heels of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s controversial attempt to enact a gun ban, which faced widespread opposition from the public, local law enforcement, and even a federal judge.
Currently, Republicans are pursuing impeachment proceedings against Governor Grisham, who is facing significant backlash over her decision.
Massachusetts’ Healey announced her ban by saying, “In government, we have an obligation to stop contributing to this damage and chart a better path forward,” according to the Boston Globe.
The governor added: “So we are proud to become the first state to adopt a procurement ban on single-use plastic bottles.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced she will sign an executive order this week to ban the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by Massachusetts state agencies, effective immediately.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) September 19, 2023
Participants at the Clinton Global Initiative conference enthusiastically applauded Healey’s choice. As part of the “Climate Week” festivities in New York, Healey received an invitation to speak at the conference and announced her forthcoming executive order, which will prohibit state agencies from acquiring single-use plastic bottles later this week, as reported by Fox News.
During her keynote address at the Clinton Global Initiative, the governor emphasized that this initiative is aimed at safeguarding our oceans and addressing climate concerns. Healey stated:
“We know that plastic waste, plastic production are among the leading threats to our oceans, our climate and environmental justice. In government, we have an obligation – we also have an opportunity – to not only stop contributing to this damage but to chart a better path forward.”
“In our coastal state, we know climate change is our biggest threat. We also believe that taking action is our greatest opportunity, an opportunity to secure a safe, prosperous, and sustainable future.”
According to NBC Boston, Massachusetts is poised to become the first state in the nation to implement this ban.
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Governor Healey, in her less-than-a-year tenure, has directed state agencies to formulate biodiversity conservation objectives for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050. The executive order, set to be signed by the governor this Thursday, will go into immediate effect.
