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NC could ban balloon releases under new bill

An eastern North Carolina Republican State Senator has introduced a bill to ban balloon releases statewide, and wildlife and environmental groups are applauding the move. Currituck County State Senator Bobby Hanig’s Senate Bill 20 would make the intentional release of balloons illegal, with a fine of $250 per balloon for violations. Debbie Swick is the founder of Ban Balloon Releases N.C., and is behind the effort to impose a statewide ban.

The Outer Banks activist said balloons don’t have to be released on the beach to have an impact on ocean creatures.

“A helium balloon when it's released travels an average of 1,300 miles, so any balloon released east of the Mississippi River has the potential of landing in the Atlantic Ocean.”

The bill is currently in the Rules and Operations Committee of the Senate.