“Some bills that have been presented are pre-emption bills,” said District 5 Councilor Darrell O’Quinn. “They will basically take away cities’ ability to impact important issues. The plastic bag bill and [SB 246] are two that stand out in particular that we’re really concerned about.”
Two of the bills discussed during the meeting include the plastic bag bill, which would prevent cities from banning plastic bags and other single-use containers, and SB246, which councilors said would limit the city’s say in where small cell 5G antennas are placed on city rights of way.
The bill by Republican Sen. Steve Livingston of Scottsboro would prohibit local governments from banning the use of plastic bags, foam cups and other single-use bags and containers.
These small 5G antennas are placed around 500 feet apart, usually attached to existing light poles. The 5G technology will provide much faster wireless service, but more small equipment is required.
About two weeks ago, some coastal Alabama cities also expressed their opposition to the plastic bag bill. Those cities include Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope and Mobile.
Coastal Alabama joins together in opposition of plastic bag legislation
Public officials in Mobile, Dauphin Island, Orange Beach and elsewhere are expressing concerns over legislation that would remove any local authority to regulate plastics.
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