SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan to ban the sale of Styrofoam packaging in Illinois by 2030 passed the state Senate Wednesday.
Illinois companies would still be allowed to make and sell styrene products, they would just have to sell them out of state.
State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) said these products contain carcinogens that cause severe illnesses. Fine also said Styrofoam is also one of the leading causes of microplastic pollution in Lake Michigan.
"This is not a new idea," Fine said. "it is already banned throughout the European union and dozens of other countries plus eleven states."
The plan saw fierce opposition from multiple Republican Senators. GOP members are confused that under the plan, Illinois companies could still make the product, but can't sell it in the state.
Republican leaders also criticized the negative impact this bill could have on small businesses. State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said this could hurt those family businesses that are already struggling.
"It seems to me there's a lot of workarounds that are unfair to the mom and pop shops in our state," McClure said. "They really need support and help in our state."
After five Republican Senators raised concerns for the plan, Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) stepped in. As a major supporter for Fine's bill, Harmon said the Republican criticism is confusing, as the styrene ban would only come by 2030.
"It's a five year phase in," Harmon said. "I have not seen anything that generous in legislative history that I can think of. This creates an incentive to be a builder of the next product."
This policy passed out of the Senate on a 32-22 vote, with all Republicans and some moderate Democrats voting against it. It will now head to the House, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.
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