More than 3,000 people have signed a petition against banning plastic bags in Dallas, an issue that will be up for debate at City Hall later this month.

Gary Huddleston, president of the Texas Retailers Association, is leading the initiative against a ban saying that it “threatens Dallas-area jobs,” citing the thousands of jobs related to the plastic bag industry. He says reusable bags have been known to increase theft at stores. He also says that the canvas material of reusable bags has been linked to health issues. The TRA wants to emphasize recycling rather than banning.

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Councilman Dwaine Caraway brought up the idea in June of a ban on one-time use bags — which includes paper and plastic — saying that they contribute to litter across the city. Although, the city council seems pretty split among an out-right ban, no ban or a possible tax on plastic bags.

The MoveOn.org petition in favor of the ban has 575 signatures so far.

Other cities that have consider a ban have experienced the same backlash from the retailers; it could go either way. Looks like the council will have a lot to consider on topic.