Virginia lawmakers ban release of nonbiodegradable balloons

[TexasTowelie]

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers approved legislation Thursday that would ban the intentional release of all nonbiodegradable balloons and slap offenders with a civil fine of $25 per balloon.

The legislation was backed by environmentalists and residents who live along the state’s shoreline and regularly complain about litter from foil and latex balloons on beaches and the potential harm to marine animals by ingesting balloon remnants.

The Senate gave its approval to a House bill sponsored by Del. Nancy Guy, D-Virginia Beach, but not before some Republican senators questioned whether it went too far by prohibiting the outdoor release of even a single balloon.

Sen. Bill Stanley said the bill is an example of “trying to control the behavior of every human being” and asked if police would be “hiding around the bouncy house” waiting to nab people who release balloons.

Read more: https://fredericksburg.com/news/state-and-regional/virginia-lawmakers-ban-release-of-nonbiodegradable-balloons/article_056d91f9-2ec4-5d3c-8980-d2208f2f4a47.html
(Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

[ret5hd]

1. Its fuckin' littering...that's all it is, period...

it is no more about “trying to control the behavior of every human being” than fining someone for throwing their household garbage out of a moving vehicle.

[TexasTowelie]

3. America's latest biohazard are the disposable face masks.

It's difficult to believe that so many people can't find a trash can to dispose of those things properly. I don't get out as much since I'm in a wheelchair, but every time I go to the convenience or grocery store I see at least one mask lying on the ground.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Some behaviors should be controlled.

[ret5hd]

4. If it's not litter, then you won't mind it in your front yard.

I am NOT suggesting that "environmentalists and residents who live along the state’s shoreline" collect these items and deliver them on a daily basis to the front yard of Sen. Bill Stanley. I would never suggest that! He would enjoy too much the once shiny but now dirty remnants of mylar balloons emblazoned with "BEST MOM", or "It's A Boy!" or "10 Years Old!"