Maryland is expected to become the first state of the USA to ban foam (泡沫橡胶)food packaging, takeout containers and cups The new proposed law passed both of the state's legislative bodies (立法机关)this week with enough votes to override a potential rejection signed by Gov. Larry Hogan, who has not publicly signaled whether he supported the law or not. The law would become the latest in a growing effort worldwide to ban kinds of single-use plastic products, due to their impacts on the environment.
With the statewide previous ban effort, Maryland's two counties, Prince George and Montgomery, had already banned foam packaging. Del. Brooke Lierman, who introduced similar legislation last year and in 2017, says changing public opinion helped her third attempt succeed.
“I think we have reached a danger point,” she says. “People are seeing how common single-use plastics are, and that they are not recyclable and never going away. People are beginning to understand the importance of living more sustainably. "
The new law would ban foam food packaging for products packaged in-state, including restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and grocery stores. The final version of the bill includes exceptions, such as meat. The ban would go into force on July 1, 2020 and would carry fines of $ 250.
The legislation was opposed by the Maryland Retailers Association, which warned that outlawing foam packaging could hurt small businesses by higher costs. Foam packaging remains popular among restaurants and the food industry because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and keeps food and drinks hot.
Foam food containers have been banned in cities or counties in 11 states, including Seattle, Portland, Washington D. C. , San Francisco, and numerous other cities in California. A ban in New York City took effect at the beginning of this year after a long legal battle ended last summer.
28. How did Maryland carry out the ban of foam food packaging?
A.By passing a new law. |
B.By fining foam packaging users. |
C.By closing some local companies. |
D.By teaching people to focus on the environment. |
29. What does the underlined word “override" in paragraph 1 mean?
A.Explain. | B.Prove. | C.Reject. | D.Tolerate. |
30. What is the key to the third success according to Del. Brooke Lierman?
A.Learning from other cities. | B.Getting medium's support. |
C.Changing public opinion. | D.Hurting small businesses. |
31. What can we learn from the text?
A.Foam food packages will disappear in the world. |
B.People in Maryland support the law absolutely. |
C.Foam food packages haven't any advantage at all. |
D.Meat will be allowed to be sold in foam food packages in America. |