Photo by Mr. T in DC

Instead, they’ll pay 20.

WTOP reports today that two Democrats in Virginia have proposed a 20-cent fee on all plastic bags, far exceeding the five cents that residents in the District and Maryland pay. The reason for going above and beyond the regional standard? The fee will likely get cut down to the usual nickel once it proceeds through committee debate, said Scott Surovell, who represents a swath of the commonwealth that borders the Potomac River.

The proposal faces uncertain prospects, though. Prior attempts to impose a fee on the use of plastic bags have failed — in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Things have been so bleak for proponents that last year Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), who represents part all of Arlington, went ahead and asked for the feds to impose a five-cent fee nationwide.

Montgomery County started charging a nickel per bag this year, while D.C. has been at it for two years. In the first year it was in effect, the use of plastic bags fell by 80 percent.

Much like D.C. and Maryland, the Virginia proposal cites concerns over trash in the Potomac River.