Democrats have introduced a bill in the Minnesota Legislature that would ban the sale of bottled water in the state.
Introduced earlier this month by Rep. Sydney Jordan, a Democrat from Minneapolis, the bill would prohibit manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers from “selling or offering for sale bottled water in Minnesota.”
The bill defines bottled water as “water contained in a formed or molded container” that is “comprised primarily of plastic resin, sealed, and holds less than two liters when full.”
Retailers could be fined $50 per violation, up to a maximum penalty of $500.
The bill currently has no co-authors or Senate companion and was referred to the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
A similar bill is being considered by lawmakers in Hawaii, where the International Bottled Water Association submitted a six-page letter on the benefits of plastic bottles.
“Efforts to ban or restrict access to bottled water, no matter what the material, hinder individuals searching for a healthier beverage alternative,” they said. “Bottled water in plastic containers has the lowest environmental footprint of any packaged beverage.”
With full control of state government, Minnesota Democrats are also pushing bills that would ban gas-powered lawn mowers and Zambonis.
If passed, Jordan’s bill would take effect at the beginning of next year.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
