Max Smith, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Prince George’s County could soon become the latest jurisdiction in the Washington area to add a fee for the paper and plastic bags shoppers get in the checkout line.
The county’s delegation to the State House voted 12-9 Friday to support a bill that would allow local leaders in Prince George’s to impose a bag fee similar to those now in effect in Montgomery County and D.C.
This vote lifts the bill over one of its biggest hurdles. The County Council has voted 8-0 to support the bill, and County Executive Rushern Baker supports it, too.
It would be up to the council to decide how much to charge.
The fee is 5 cents in Montgomery County and D.C.
Montgomery County’s fee just started in January, generating $154,000 in its first month.
D.C. leaders say there is less trash since their bag fee took effect in January 2010.
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