Maryland Lawmakers Are Voting “Yes” to Ban Mass Balloon Releases - National Humane Education Society

Update (4/14/2021): These bills did not pass but, thankfully, similar bills were reintroduced (SB 716/HB 391) in 2021 and are waiting for Governor Hogan’s signature.

Paws Up!
April 15, 2020

To representatives in Maryland for supporting legislation to help protect wildlife and nature from the harmful effects of mass balloon releases.

Balloons come in a multitude of colors ranging from light to dark. These bulbous objects are used to celebrate a birthday, graduation, baby shower, or other festive occasions. Latex balloons started being produced in mass quantities in 1930 and can be found in many stores at an affordable price. They are often used just once and then discarded, or they are released as part of the celebration. The sight of balloons being released into the air may seem like a happy occasion, but, in reality, they symbolize death to many animals who mistake them for food. When ingested, balloons create blockages leading to starvation.

Balloon manufacturers will argue that latex balloons are biodegradable, or decompose at the same rate as an oak leaf. (A latex balloon can take up to four years to decompose.) How can this argument be made knowing that a balloon left to degrade is harmful to nature and its inhabitants, whereas, an oak leaf is part of nature?

Last year in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, lawmakers passed an ordinance that would aid in protecting the state’s wildlife, marine life, and the environment by banning the mass release of balloons. Now, state officials are showing their support by sponsoring similar bills–House Bill 13 and Senate Bill 28. If passed, it would be illegal for anyone to release balloons in the state of Maryland on purpose. It would become effective October 1, 2020, and violators would face a fine of $250.

Take Action: Maryland residents if you agree that mass balloon releases should be prohibited contact Governor Hogan today.