“If they cannot make that demonstration they will be banned from using plastic bags. The only exception is if the stores charge a minimum of fifteen-cents per bag…”  Levine was successful in getting legislation signed that requires grocery and retail stores to take back and recycle plastic grocery bags, making California and Rhode Island the only states in the U.S. with such a program. The law also requires each store to make reusable bags available for customers to purchase. That went into effect in July. Assemblyman Levine says, “While volunteer coastal cleanups and public education efforts have been helpful in keeping California’s coastlines clean, more needs to be done. To reduce marine debris the amount of waste generated on land must be reduced and disposed of properly.” "We have over 250 species that have been affected by plastic bag waste. It's a significant environmental problem," said Assemblyman Levine. "Plastic bags that we use every day take about 4,000 barrels of oil just to produce those plastic bags."