Sitka shelves proposal taxing single-use bags

SITKA, Alaska (AP) — Sitka officials have shelved a measure that would tax single-use carryout bags provided to customers by businesses on the Alaska island.

The Sitka Assembly voted this week to “postpone indefinitely” the proposed ordinance taxing paper and plastic bags, the Daily Sitka Sentinel reported Wednesday.

The proposal would have levied a 15-cent tax on each plastic bag and a 10-cent tax on each paper bag beginning in April 2019. The taxes would increase in April 2020 to 25 cents for a plastic bag and 15 cents for paper.

The measure aimed to encourage the use of reusable bags and di...