Ban on Plastic Bags in Portland Update

Moments ago, Portland Mayor Sam Adams announced that Portland will ban plastic shopping bags. He will layout his plan today at the Ban the Bag Rally, at 12 noon.  
After Oregon legislators revealed they are considering a ban on plastic shopping bags, the Ban the Bag coalition announced a Ban the Bag action occurring today,  Wednesday July 14th. The day's actions, sponsored by Environment Oregon and the Portland Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation,  started at 9 a.m. with supporters presenting a petition to city councilors urging them to ban the environmentally damaging bags.
Not only are millions of barrels of oil used to make the nearly 100 billion plastic shopping bags we use annually, but they can wreck havoc on the machinery at  recycling centers; which may be why 95 percent of the bags end up in landfills. 
The new statewide legislation being considered in Oregon would encourage shoppers to use fabric or other reusable bags by banning the plastic ones at checkout counters and charging a nickle for every paper bag shoppers used.
At the rally today, other speakers will join Mayor Sam Adams, there will be a display of plastic and entertainment by the Bag Monsters.
The day of action will conclude tonight at 6 p.m. with a  Pint Night, at the headquarters of Portland's hybrid shoe manufacturer,  Keen Inc.  Sponsored by Ninkasi Brewing, the evening will also feature raffle items:
* Gear from Portland companies NAU and Keen
* Gift certificates from Oregon Surf Adventures, Looptworks, Gorge Performance and Lizard Lounge
* 10 Jack Johnson concert tickets
* Dakine backpacks
* Smith glasses
12 noon, rally at City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave.
6 pm Pint Night and raffle at Keen Headquarters,  926 NW 13th Street.