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Luna County adopts ordinance banning thin single‑use plastic checkout bags
Summary
The commission adopted Ordinance 121 to eliminate thin single‑use plastic checkout bags countywide; staff clarified paper and heavier biodegradable bags are excluded and restaurants are given interim flexibility.
The Luna County Commission voted to adopt Ordinance 121, which eliminates thin single‑use plastic checkout bags. The item was opened for public hearing and drew one public comment seeking clarity on the term "single use." County staff clarified that the ordinance targets the thin checkout bags commonly distributed at grocery and retail checkouts and does not prohibit paper bags or heavier biodegradable plastic bags; reusable multi‑use bags remain allowed.
A member of the public asked, "What do you mean by single use? If I go to a restaurant, that's a single use," to which staff answered that the ordinance means the current thin plastic checkout bags, not paper or heavier biodegradable options. Commissioners discussed similar municipal debates and confirmed the county language allows flexibility for restaurants and biodegradable alternatives.
The ordinance was adopted by roll call: Commissioner Trejo yes; Chair Chandler yes; Commissioner Harvey yes. Commissioners and staff characterized the change as an effort to reduce litter and protect downstream visual and environmental quality in public spaces.
