Governor Pat Quinn has vetoed a bill that would have required a plastic bag recycling program in Illinois. Quinn says the measure would have restricted municipalities from adopting their own rules regarding the use of plastic bags.
Environmentalists also criticized the plan, saying its goals were too weak. It would have required manufacturers to set up programs with the goal of increasing the recycling rate 12 percent by the year 2015.
It also would have required these companies to register with the state. Retail stores then could use plastic bags only from registered firms.
The Illinois Manufacturers' Association says it's disappointed with the governor's decision to veto the bill. Officials say it represented an opportunity for the state to become a national leader in recycling.
Governor Quinn says he wants to work on a better plan to increase recycling efforts.