In New York, they want to ban the launch of balloons due to environmental damage

New York State lawmakers intend to ban the launch of helium-filled balloons at any event, whether it’s a wedding or graduation in kindergarten, as it harms the environment. This publication writes New York Post.

A bill introduced in October 2019 by state Senator Alessandra Biagi (D-The Bronx) will prohibit the production of more than 25 standard latex balloons per day, the newspaper notes. The launch of even one foil-covered balloon into the sky will be illegal, the source emphasizes.

Why do they want to ban the launch of balls

As Biaggi explained, the remnants of bursting latex balls "penetrate the ecosystem", killing birds and other animals that take them for food or get entangled in their ribbons. At the same time, balls made of foil, falling on power lines, cause a blackout, the politician noted.

Biagi said her bill “received no objection and is a good sign that lawmakers and voters are open to making these changes to protect our planet.”

It is also noted that this bill was supported at the state meeting by Suffolk County Democrat Steve Englebright in February. However, according to the source, the proposals do not spell out any fines for offenders - which means that the punishment is "nothing more than a shake of air."

On the subject: What you should never do in New York

As Englebright, chairman of the Assembly’s environmental committee, explained, he didn’t provide for a penalty because he wanted to “use a precautionary approach from the start.”

At the same time, another bill introduced in January by state senator Brian Cavan (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn) is aimed primarily at enterprises. It provides for fines of $ 10 for a balloon, if they are issued in excess of 25 units, the penalty is a maximum of $ 50 thousand

Business reaction

At the Party City store on Manhattan’s 14 Street, supervisor Kimberly Martinez said customers usually “come and order from 200 to 300 balloons,” but they are not asked what they plan to do with the balloons.

Martinez said the ban could potentially harm business. However, in her opinion, people will still continue to buy balloons.

“I feel like people will still buy balloons and release them no matter what. Nobody really follows the law, ”she stressed.

Prohibition in other states of the USA

To date, at least five states - California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia - have already banned ballooning into the sky.

The ban was also signed last month by Suffolk County Executive Director Steve Bellow, a Democrat who is close to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and is considered a controversial advocate.

At the same time, spokesman Cuomo said: "We will review the law."