Delaware lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at restricting how cities and counties regulate drinking straws and stirrers, arguing that environmental rules should be based on scientific evidence rather than assumptions.
A Senate bill filed on December 18, alongside an identical House measure (HB 2195) introduced on December 26, would limit the authority of local governments to impose bans or mandates on paper straws, stirrers, and related items.
“Many businesses and communities in this state are using paper straws and stirrers as a supposedly better option for public health and the environment,” HB 2195 states. However, lawmakers point to research suggesting that paper straws may pose their own health risks.
