Arizona lawmakers tell cities they aren't allowed to ban plastic bags, Styrofoam containers

Efforts by a few cities in Arizona to ban plastic bags are now in limbo after lawmakers voted to make the bans illegal, angering municipalities over what they see as heavy-handed action by a conservative state against local governments.

The Arizona bill, which was passed earlier this month, outlaws bans of single-use plastic bags and applies similar restrictions on Styrofoam containers and other disposable products. It also includes a requirement blocking cities from requiring business owners to report energy usage consumption.

The bill was backed by the Arizona Retailers Association and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance. Lawmakers who supported the legislation said banning plastic bags wasn't necessary.

Tempe City Council member Lauren Kuby says state lawmakers are interfering with local decision making.

The law goes into effect in July.