Massachusetts will be the first state to prohibit state agencies from buying single-use bottles. Maura Shealey made the announcement at a climate-change event.

Healey, who spoke Monday in New York City for the Boston Globe, said, “As government, it is our duty to stop contributing towards this damage and chart out a better way forward.” “We are proud to be the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bottle purchases.”

Healey gave a keynote address Monday at the Clinton Global Initiative’s “Climate Week”, New York, and announced that she would sign an executive order this week prohibiting state agencies from buying single-use bottles. The governor stated that the plan was designed to protect oceans and climate.

“We know plastic waste and plastic production are amongst the top threats to our oceans as well as our climate, environmental justice, and our environment. Healey stated that the government has an obligation and an opportunity to stop contributing to these damages, as well as charting a better course forward.

Climate change is the biggest threat to our coastal state. We believe that our biggest opportunity is to take action, and secure a prosperous, safe and sustainable future.

NBC Boston reported citing Sierra Club that Americans recycle 29% of their single-serve water bottles.

In some Massachusetts towns such as Concord, single-use bottles and plastic bags have been banned in stores.

Healey will sign the bill, making the Bay State the first state in the country to ban drinking bottles for agencies. NBC Boston reported that some lawmakers had tried to pass legislation restricting the bottles used by state agencies. However, the bills were held up in committees and never made it to the floor of the chamber for a vote.

Healey, who has been in the office for less than a month, revealed at the Clinton Global Initiative, which is attended by climate activists from around world, that her administration would instruct state agencies to set biodiversity conservation goals between 2030 and 2050.

The Boston Globe reports that she is expected to sign her executive order on Thursday. She will also explain the ban more in detail. The ban will go into effect immediately.