LWF Responds to Louisiana Balloon Release Ban
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation offers alternatives. Plus, see exceptions to the balloon release ban.
BATON ROUGE – On May 15, House Bill No. 851, the Louisiana balloon release ban, became part of Louisiana law under Act 196, without the governor’s signature. Effective beginning Aug. 1, the balloon release ban prohibits the intentional, outdoor release of balloons.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) applauded Rep. John R. Illg Jr. and the bill’s co-sponsors for advancing the legislation, which LWF shares will help reduce unnecessary litter and protect Louisiana’s wildlife, waterways, agricultural land and electrical infrastructure. However, LWF also recognized the meaning behind the balloon releases and offered safe alternatives.
About Balloon Releases: From the LWF
Often used to celebrate milestones, honor loved ones or mark special occasions, balloon releases don’t simply disappear. The balloons return to earth as litter, frequently landing in marshes, waterways, forests, farmland and neighborhoods. The balloon releases can seriously harm wildlife and livestock, including cattle that may ingest balloon debris, and can also interfere with power lines and electrical infrastructure, causing dangerous outages and costly damage.
“Every year in Louisiana, balloon releases intended to honor loved ones or mark special occasions come down in our marshes, waterways, forests and communities,” said Rebecca Triche, executive director of Louisiana Wildlife Federation. “We’re thrilled to see this unnecessary harm to animals, habitats and infrastructure addressed through this new law. At the same time, we recognize how important these moments are, and we want to help people honor them in ways that are just as meaningful without putting our environment at risk.”
Alternative Balloon Releases: From the LWF
LWF hopes to serve as a resource for communities across the state on what this new ballon release ban means, while also helping individuals find meaningful, wildlife-safe alternatives for celebrations and memorials.
LWF-suggested alternatives to balloon releases include:
- Flying kites
- Blowing bubbles
- Releasing floating flower petals
- Planting a tree, native garden or a painted rock garden
- Hosting a candlelight vigil
- Releasing biodegradable confetti
- Ringing bells
- Celebrating with banners or flags
- Making pinwheels that children can take home
- Donating money or time to a charity in someone’s name
- Organizing a commemorative walk or service project
- Creating a mural or art installation and including a message to your loved one
- Organizing a food drive or community give-back
The LWF shares that small changes in how we celebrate and remember can have a lasting impact on protecting what makes Louisiana so special.
Exceptions to the Balloon Release Ban
Act 196 and all relevant info are accessible online. The balloon release ban outlines the following provisions for which the ban does not apply:
- Persons under the age of seventeen.
- The negligent or unintentional release of a balloon.
- The release of a balloon indoors.
- The release of a balloon made of biodegradable or photobiodegradable material.
- The release of a balloon for scientific or meteorological purposes by or on behalf of a governmental agency, under a governmental contract or by an educational institution.
- The release of a balloon that is attached to a radio tracking device by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license.
- A hot air balloon that is recovered after launch.
