California lawmakers pass first U.S. plastic bag ban

California could soon be the first state to ban single-use plastic bags.

Lawmakers are sending Gov. Jerry Brown a bill, SB270, which cleared the Senate on a 22-15 vote Friday.

The bill would prohibit single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and large pharmacies in 2015 and at convenience stores in 2016 in an effort to reduce litter on streets and beaches.

"This is a statewide problem meriting a statewide solution," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima, and author of the bill, told the Los Angeles Times.

About 100 jurisdictions in California have adopted similar bans.

The bill allows grocers to charge 10 cents each for paper and reusable bags. It also includes $2 million in loans to help manufacturers shift to the new model.

The bill was opposed by bag makers and some Republicans.

"This is big government taking over local agencies' responsibilities," Sen. Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield, told the Sacramento Bee.