13-02-2025
Senate Bill to possibly ban balloon releases in North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA (WNCT) — A Senate Bill is currently floating around the General Assembly that would ban balloon releases across the state.
Balloon releases are typically done for celebrations or to honor a loved one. However, some say they can be harmful to the environment. This bill would prohibit people from doing mass balloon releases or face a $250 fine.
Michele Lamping, a Sea Turtle specialist from the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium says when sea animals ingest balloons, it can be extremely painful and even kill them.
'When we do have good outcomes, which we had means that the animal will pass the balloon a string, which is really awful to watch. You're just kind of waiting for them to pass it. And, you know, it's uncomfortable and awful and you just have to wait for that string to come out and then wait for that balloon to pass,' said Lamping.
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