Banning the Intentional Release of Balloons in Long Branch, NJ

In February of 2019, Surfrider Foundation staff spoke to a member of the City of Long Branch's Environmental Commission and a member of their City Council regarding fighting plastic pollution and other Surfrider Foundation activities. 

Some in attendance at the meeting thought that the City of Long Branch already had an ordinance prohibiting the intentional release of balloon, but upon a follow up by Surfrider Foundation staff it was discovered that they did not.  

Chapter activists sent a sample ordinance and followed up with the City by attending several City Council meetings. It took a couple of months and multiple meetings but the City finally passed an ordinance banning the intentional release of balloons on April 24, 2019. 

It is an important town for such a law since it is one of the largest cities in NJ along the Atlantic Coast with an active boardwalk and hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. As an attraction and a destination location, many groups have their events, walks, fundraisers and festivals in Long Branch. Banning the intentional release of balloons here will mean such sanctioned activities will not include balloon releases. 

The conversation started a larger discussion with the City who is interested in possibly banning plastic bags now as well.