Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has rejected a bill that prevents local governments from adopting a ban on the use of single-use plastic straws for the next five years.

This decision follows a request from Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane urging the Governor to reject the bill. The city passed the bill to ban plastic straws in September, reported plasticsnews.com.

In a letter addressed to Florida secretary of state Laurel Lee, DeSantis noted that various local municipalities such as Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Miami Beach have passed regulations to ban single-use plastic straws.

In his letter, DeSantis said: “These measures have not, as far as I can tell, frustrated any state policy or harmed the state’s interests.

“In fact, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has encouraged Florida residents, schools and businesses to reduce plastic straw use.

“Under these circumstances, the state should simply allow local communities to address this issue through the political process. Citizens who oppose plastic straw ordinances can seek recourse by electing people who share their views.”

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"Citizens who oppose plastic straw ordinances can seek recourse by electing people who share their views."

The letter also mentioned that the ban prevents local governments from banning plastic straws until 2024. It is initially focused on issues with contamination of recyclable materials, and later included plastic straws.

The bill to restrict ban on plastic straws was adopted by the state Senate on 25 April and passed on 30 April.

According to the news website, Sanibel city officials welcomed the veto and mentioned that the local ordinance includes a provision to allow companies to offer straws for the disabled.