As the NYT explains, "Paper bags and reusable plastic bags will be available at checkout counters for a 10-cent fee designed to prod shoppers to remember their own reusable bags, and to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up clogging rivers, snagged on trees or taking up space in landfills." The oddly-named "American Progressive Bag Alliance" (is there anything progressive about it, other than it wants to appeal to a Democratic electorate?) vows to fight the measure. Here's the whole NYT story.
Perhaps it would be a better incentive to refund $.10 for each bag a customer brings with them to use for purchased goods. And perhaps a $.03 for each bag that can be returned to a recycle collection.