Could Virginia follow Massachusetts in discontinuing single-use plastic bottles?

Will Virginia eventually ban the use of plastic water bottles?Photo byBrian YurasitsonUnsplash

Youngkin rolled back the decision made by Northam

In March 2021, then-Governor Ralph Northam made a commitment to Virginia to phase out single-use plastic bottles in the government. Current Governor Glenn Younkin rolled that decision back in 2022 and placed his emphasis on recycling rather than elimination. At that time, Tim Zywenski spokesperson for the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club said the following.

“Youngkin easily could’ve written an order that didn’t get rid of the plastics phase-out.“But every time he does something that seems good, he does something else and goes two steps backward.”

Perhaps Virginia will have another opportunity to ban single-use plastic bottles.Photo byJon TysononUnsplash

Virginians were in favor of elimination rather than recycling

Many Virginians were disappointed with Younkin's decision but perhaps the Commonwealth might rethink the issue. On Thursday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order making the "Bay State" the first to ban state agencies from using single-use plastic bottles.

Now that this has taken place it is possible other states will follow suit. In Virginia, one of two things will probably happen. Younkin can change his mind on his 2022 decision or his successor as Governor could fall in line with Massachusetts. Time will tell.