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provides other information comparing these different bag options, which is summarized briefly in the attached Exhibit A. Green Cities makes clear that their MEA is meant to be a compilation of available information, but nota substitute for a specific analysis of the circumstances in a particular community considering adopting a ban on plastic bags. The MEA does not establish thresholds for significant effects on the environment, nor does it consider mitigation measures particular to any community. Such community- specific analysis could include litter information about plastic bags in storm drains and other water ways, impacts to garbage and recycling operations, amount of plastics in the waste stream, composting options available in the community, incentives, etc. DISCUSSION Until the California Supreme Court makes a final decision in the Manhattan Beach plastic bag ban case, Alameda County courts have required an EIR to accompany the adoption of a ban on plastic bags. While the Green Cities California MEA would be a useful resource of background information for the preparation of an EIR, if Pleasanton were to consider such a ban, community- specific information would also be needed in the preparation of a Pleasanton- specific EIR. The amount of time needed to prepare an EIR, plus the required periods for public review and comment, as well as community and stakeholder outreach, could result in a Pleasanton- specific ban being considered only shortly before a county-wide ban if the Authority proceeds in late 2011. Consideration of a ban on plastic bags would have to include consideration of many issues, including: 1. What plastic bags to ban just the plastic bags given at point of sale, plastic bags available in store for customers to use to contain gather items, plastic bags used to wrap newspapers, plastic covering dry cleaning, etc. 2. What to allow as substitutes single use biodegradable bags, single use paper bags, any minimum required percentage of recycled content, etc. 3. Where to apply ban just to large retail establishments, restaurants food service, or to all retailers, all service providers, etc. 4. What type of community outreach involvement of stakeholders 5. When ban should go into effect immediate or gradual roll -out, allow covered businesses to use existing stocks of plastic bags, etc. 6. How to monitor audit compliance and penalties for non compliance The scope of issues to consider are many, and beyond the scope of this report. The City Council would have to designate consideration of a ban on plastic bags as a priority before additional staff resources can be used to provide analysis of alternatives for these types of issues. And, the City Council would need to allocate funds so that an outside consultant could be retained to prepare the Pleasanton specific EIR. Page 5 of 9