By Dan Corcoran

EUGENE, Ore. -- For many years, shoppers have had to make a choice, paper or plastic.  Now a state senator is working to permanently take plastic out of the equation, in hopes of getting plastic bags off the streets and out of landfills for good.

The bill from Beaverton Senator Mark Hass has support from many local shoppers, people looking to cut back on litter and reduce their impact on the environment.

The Democrat's plan would still allow paper bags, but would eliminate single use plastic bags from every check out stand in Oregon.  The goal, he says, is to get more people to use reusable bags when they shop.

Senator Hass has to work fast to get this plastic bag ban passed in the month long session that began in Salem Monday.

The senator held a hearing Tuesday, introducing the measure.  Legislators continue discussing the proposal next week.