By Associated Press - Monday, April 13, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill preventing cities and towns from banning plastic grocery bags or disposable containers.

Major cities such as Chicago have adopted measures to limit the use of plastic bags in recent years. Conservationists say the bags litter the oceans and increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Senate Bill 1241 by Republican Rep. Warren Petersen of Gilbert would ban counties, cities and towns from banning or charging fees for returning containers such as plastic bags or Styrofoam boxes. It also blocks cities and towns from requiring business owners from measuring or reporting energy usage.

Supporters say the bill protects businesses. Opponents say the decision should be left with cities and towns, in part because they run landfills.

Ducey signed the bill Monday.

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