Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed a bill that would have required plastic bag manufacturers to set up collection and recycling programs, calling it a "roadblock" for local communities to make their own choices.
He rejected the proposed law Sunday.
It would have required manufacturers to set up recycling programs with the goal of increasing the recycling rate by 12 percent by 2015 and to eventually make bags from at least 30 percent recycled content. It also would have required manufacturers to register with and present plans to the state next year. Retail stores then could use bags only from registered manufacturers.
In a statement, Quinn says the law would have tied the hands of Illinois municipalities.
Many environmentalists urged the veto.
