Denis Slattery is reporting for the New York Daily News the state's ban on single-use plastic bags was upheld August 20, by New York Supreme Court Justice Gerald Connolly. Connolly ruled in favor of the state’s plastic prohibition, which took effect back in March before enforcement was delayed by the legal challenge and coronavirus crisis. “The Court’s decision is a victory and a vindication of New York State’s efforts to end the scourge of single-use plastic bags and a direct rebuke to the plastic bag manufacturers who tried to stop our law,” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. But Connolly's decision also noted that certain aspects of the regulations regarding thicker reusable plastic bags contradict the measure itself. He found that the portion of the Bag Regulations allowing for use of certain plastic reusable bags is in plain contradiction of the Act. It is up to lawmakers to take action to expand the list of exempt bags, he said. The law bars grocery stores and bodegas from offering thin, single-use plastic bags to customers. Many county governments in New York have already implemented a five cent fee on paper bags, to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags. Advocates celebrated the decision, calling it a much-needed step toward cutting waste and cutting pollution. Patrick McClellan, director of policy with the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “Plastic bags pollute our waterways and streets, contribute to the solid waste crisis, and cost taxpayers money.” Read the full story in the New York Daily News.