RICHMOND — The Senate has rejected a bill to ban the intentional release of balloons into the atmosphere, which environmentalists say kill turtles, sea birds and other marine animals.
The bill — a stark contrast to current law, which allows for 50 balloons to be released per person per hour — failed on a 16-21 vote Friday.
Sen. Jeffrey McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, was the sponsor of Senate Bill 1107. He cited a report by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality that said balloon debris in waterways is one of the biggest problems facing marine systems. Many balloons fall into the ocean and are ingested by animals, often causing death.
However, balloons are popular at birthday parties and other celebrations and commemorations. Some of McWaters’ colleagues ridiculed his bill.
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“We have law enforcement that do very important jobs for us now out on a balloon sting — an undercover balloon sting operation,” said Sen. William Stanley, R-Franklin County. He joked that police would be “pegging” 9-year-olds for arrest, and they would then have to post bail.
That seemingly ludicrous depiction of reality under SB 1107 isn’t just caricature. According to an impact statement prepared by the state Department of Planning and Budget, “The DEQ believes an enforcement presence would be required to survey areas where such balloons may likely be released, such as birthday parties, parks and weddings.”
