State-wide Bag Fee to Begin

Beginning January 1st, make sure to pack those reusable bags when going grocery shopping or be prepared to pay a 10-cent bag fee as part of Colorado's Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. La Plata Electric Association has opened its 2023 scholarship applications, and the Dolores Brewery is featured in an adult coloring book meant to help bring awareness and attention to local businesses. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Pop's Truck and RV Center and The Payroll Department. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Starting January 1st, certain retail stores across the state of Colorado will start charging a 10-cent bag fee for disposable bags. As part of Colorado's Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, the goal is to reduce reliance on disposable bags that are major contributors to pollution. The bag fee applies to retail stores that have more than three retail locations and/or are part of a franchise corporation or partnership that has physical store locations outside Colorado, with some exceptions. The fee is applicable to all customers unless they can show proof of being on federal or state food assistance programs. The city of Durango is working with local stakeholders to create programs to provide free reusable bags to residents. The new act also requires all carryout bags to be made of 100% recycled material. The second phase of the act will begin January 1st, 2024, which will result in the complete removal of plastic bags from certain retail stores and will ban the use of polystyrene food containers. Learn more about the regulations at durangogov.org/bags. A locally produced adult coloring book aims to support the longevity of independent restaurants. After a successful launch of the book in 2020, Durango's RadCraft and the James Beard Foundation have once again partnered to release a second version of the book featuring the logos of local and national breweries, malt houses, and distilleries. Proceeds go directly to the James Beard Open for Good Campaign, which has provided almost $4.8 million to food and beverage establishments across the country. Local businesses like Ska Brewing Company and Dolores River Brewing are among those featured in the book. Go to radcraftbeer.com to purchase a hard copy of the coloring book for $25 or to download a digital version for $6. La Plata Electric Association's 2023 scholarship applications are now open. The nine scholarships funded by La Plata Electric Association aim to help students continue their education in trade and academic schools. High school seniors and equivalent are eligible to apply for the scholarships. The deadline is March 1st, 2023. There will be an open house Q&A on January 18th at 6:00 p.m. with the opportunity for applicants to talk to past committee selection members, ask any questions they may have, and learn what makes for a strong application. Learn about active scholarships and reserve your space at the Q&A at lpea.coop/scholarships, email scholarships@lpea.coop, or call 247-5786 with any questions. That's it for this week's Local News Roundup. Thank you for watching. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.