Bill Would Ban Balloon Releases In Rhode Island

In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in Rhode Island waters, several local lawmakers are calling for an end to balloon releases in the state. Popular at memorial events and some celebrations, groups will gather with balloons--usually all the same color-- and release them simultaneously.

While the displays look nice in the moment, what goes up must come down, and helium balloons released into the atmosphere quickly pop and fall back to earth, most often landing in the ocean. Once there, the deflated latex or shiny Mylar creates pollution in the water, with strings tangling in plant life or choking animals, while sea turtles will often eat the deflated balloons, confusing them for jellyfish.

Save The Bay Director Jonathan Stone and Director of Advocacy Topher Hamblett wrote on the organizations website that plastics, including balloons, are a "new, pernicious and persistent threat" to oceans.

"The problem with plastics is that, unlike paper and glass, they do not biodegrade, but persist in the natural environment indefinitely," they wrote. "Discarded plastics are everywhere, and unfortunately, becoming increasingly difficult to clean up."

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Susan Donovan (D-District 69 Bristol, Portsmouth), would ban all "intentionally organized" balloon releases. Violators of the law would be charged $500 for every balloon release.

Certain balloons, including hot air balloons, weather balloons and balloons that are released and stay indoors would be exempt.

The bill has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee.