PORTLAND, MAINE » The tradition of releasing balloons at weddings, birthdays and
memorials may soon get deflated by lawmakers in more than half a dozen states.
Critics say the helium-filled balloons pollute the environment, and threaten birds and other wildlife when they fall to earth.
Nationwide, there’s a growing awareness of the problem, and it has energized legislation in state governments. Bills to limit the intentional release of large numbers of balloons are being aired in legislatures in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, in addition to Maine, said Jennifer Schultz of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
— The Associated Press
