CA Plastic Bag Makers Want To Overturn Ban; Submit Signatures To Put Referendum On 2016 Ballot

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- Business groups trying to overturn a new California law that bans single-use plastic bags say they've collected more than enough signatures to put their referendum on the November 2016 ballot.

If the referendum qualifies, the nation's first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags will be suspended until voters weigh in, effectively buying plastic bag manufacturers more time.

The plastic bag manufacturing trade group American Progressive Bag Alliance announced Monday that it will turn in more than 800,000 petition signatures to county registrars. The group needs about 505,000 valid signatures to qualify.

The ban was scheduled to be phased in starting in July at large grocery stores and supermarkets as a way to cut down on litter and protect marine life.

Manufacturers say a ban would lead to job losses.

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