Galveston pops tradition of balloon releases
Environmentalists applaud the city’s ban, citing harm to the Gulf Coast’s sea turtles and other wildlife
GALVESTON — Balloon releases are now officially deflated in the city of Galveston.
Galveston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance last week prohibiting the intentional open release of one or more balloons in the atmosphere. This includes any material made of latex, mylar or other material which may be inflated with a gas lighter than air.
“Discarded balloons are a hazard to wildlife and the environment and pollute the marine and coastal environments,” the ordinance reads. “In addition, balloons are often mistaken for food by marine and other wildlife causing disastrous effects on marine and animal systems.”
Balloon material is also often stuck in trees, shrubs and can clog drainage systems, according to the ordinance.
Violators will be fined up to $200 for a Class C misdemeanor, according to the ordinance.
Local environmentalists are celebrating the victory.
“This is just the beginning,” said Joanie Steinhaus, Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Gulf program director, who was also instrumental in convincing Galveston Mayor Craig Brown and City Council member William Schuster to draft the ordinance.
“Every city in Texas needs to implement this type of ordinance. We need our government to pass a statewide ban on intentional balloon releases because they are littering.”
Balloon bans have increasingly grown in popularity across the nation with similar ordinances in states like Maine, Maryland, Florida, Tennessee and California, according to U.S. News & World Report.
This is huge news for Galveston Island, which is a breeding ground for several endangered sea turtles, including Kemp’s Ridley, the Texas state sea turtle.
Advocates say balloon litter is a “massive problem” on beaches.
“Year after year, balloon-related litter is one of the most prevalent and identifiable items found ingested by local wildlife,” said Gulf program coordinator Kimber DeSalvo Anderson.
“Animals like sea turtles, coastal birds and fish are often found entangled in the ribbon attached to balloons. Not only are balloons hazardous to wildlife and unsightly litter, but they can be a hazard to aviation traffic, boat propellers and power lines. Just last week we found two balloons hanging on power lines on 22nd and Seawall,” DeSalvo Anderson said.
The balloon ordinance did, however, include a few exceptions.
Balloons may be released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency or for scientific or meteorological purposes in accordance with a government contract or by an institution of higher education conducting research.
The ordinance also excluded hot air balloons that are recovered after launching and balloons released indoors.
“Those who release a balloon or balloons inside shall ensure that the balloon or balloons do not escape to the outside,” according to the ordinance.