Emails between Shell communication officials were made public as part of a congressional investigation into the fossil fuel industry and climate change.
The hope is to eliminate a source of litter on the streets and microplastics in the water. But some point to studies that show people just buy more plastic bags.
The Republican-controlled legislature did not renew a statewide preemption on single-use plastics, opening the door for cities and municipalities to institute their own bans.
These local governments say lawmakers' extension of the plastic bag moratorium was 'undemocratic.' They say they have a right to find local solutions to local problems.