Date: 4/17/25 1:59 pm From: mdpethke via groups.io <mdpethke...> Subject: [labird] HB 581 to ban balloon releases
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Rep. John Illg has filed bill HB581 that would prohibit the intentional outdoor release of filled balloons and imposes a fine on anyone caught doing so. Balloon releases are a particularly egregious form of litter because what goes up must eventually come down, with catastrophic consequences for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Richard Condrey, Baton Rouge Audubon Society conservation chair, has been active for many years trying to address this issue, and BRAS supports this initiative. Yesterday the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment unanimously (13-0) voted favorably on the bill. The bill is backed by the Lt. Governor's office, and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is also backing the bill and monitoring its progress. Please contact your legislator to support this vital environmental reform.
