BROWNSVILLE, Texas (October 13, 2016) – The City of Brownsville has released the following statement regarding Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against the City of Brownsville over Ordinance Number 2010-911-F:

“Ordinance Number 2010-911-F became effective on January 5, 2011, and has undertaken serious littering issues through the encouragement of reusable bag use and the foundation of a financially self-sustaining design that assists to support and maintain environmental initiatives in the community.

Ordinance Number 2010-911-F has immensely reduced the use of plastic bags throughout the community, diminishing the hazardous environmental impacts their misuse has caused. Since the ordinance became effective in 2011, it has eliminated plastic bags from the waste stream and reduced the amount of litter on the streets, sidewalks, drainage systems and resaca waterways daily.

The City of Brownsville disagrees with the Texas Attorney General’s assertions; not only has the ordinance demonstrated positive impacts for the environment, but it has also served as a model for communities everywhere.”