CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Several West Virginia lawmakers are attempting to ban plastic shopping bags statewide.

A House of Delegates bill would require retail establishments to phase out the use of plastic bags by 2011.

The measure would also require them to provide compostable bags such as paper, or offer reusable bags for purchase. Retailers would also have to put recycling labels on bags and set up recycling bins for customer use.

Delegate Ralph Rodighiero (ROD'-uh-geer-ee-oh) is the bill's lead sponsor. The Logan County Democrat says plastic bags have become a public eyesore, cluttering riverbanks and roadways. He also says a ban on the bags would benefit the environment.

Other states have considered similar legislation but retail opposition has prevented the measures from gaining momentum. The first local government to ban plastic shopping bags was San Francisco last March.

There is debate in some circles about whether plastic bags are actually the better environmental choice. Concerns include the amount of trees cut down and the pollution created during paper bag production.