The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, consisting of Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Mike Turner of the Ashburn District, Kristen Umstattd of Leesburg, Juli Briskman of Algonkian approved the measure as part of Virginia’s statewide authorization for localities to implement such fees. Revenue from the tax supports environmental cleanup, litter mitigation, and reusable bag programs for low-income residents.

However, Republican supervisors and the Loudoun County Republican Committee have been vocal opponents since its inception around 2021. They point out that despite claims of environmental benefits, the policy has not significantly reduced plastic waste but has instead padded county coffers. ‘BOS Plastic Bag Tax is Neither Creative Nor Effective,’ the committee stated in a 2024 analysis, highlighting how stores pass the full cost to consumers while alternatives like paper bags escape the fee.

Phyllis Randall has defended the fee as ‘voluntary,’ suggesting shoppers can simply bring reusable bags to avoid it. But opponents counter that this ignores the reality for busy families, seniors, and low-wage workers who rely on convenience at checkout. Recent posts from residents echo this sentiment: ‘Loudoun County still charges a 5 cent surcharge on each plastic bag,’ one complained in 2025, while another refused to pay, opting to carry groceries out bare-handed.

With groceries already strained by national inflation, the fee—amounting to millions annually—represents a regressive burden. Republicans like Caleb Kershner have pushed for repeal, arguing the county’s $200 million surplus in 2025 could fund reusable bags for every household instead. ‘Why don’t they just pay for every citizen to have 10 reusable bags?’ asked local GOP Chairman Scott Pio.18

The pushback has gained traction under hashtags like #NoBagTax, with the Loudoun GOP releasing statements and videos highlighting public frustration during Board meetings. As elections approach, this issue underscores the divide: fiscal conservatism versus progressive environmental mandates. Republicans vow to fight on, prioritizing taxpayer relief over what they call virtue-signaling policies.

Watch the video via the X post by the author: https://x.com/LoudounGOP/status/2016190762484949062

Source: Field reports and eyewitness accounts.