Apr 28, 2008 8:46 pm US/Pacific
Proposed Metallic Balloon Ban Stalls In CA Senate
SACRAMENTO (AP) ―
A bill seeking to ban helium-filled metallic balloons in California has failed on its first attempt to clear the state Senate.
Sen. Jack Scott, a Democrat from Altadena, says the balloons lead to power outages when they break free and cause power lines to arc.
Republican Sen. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria says the balloons, a favorite at parties, are a growing danger for pilots. He says he has nearly flown into several strings of the balloons in his small plane.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the main utility in Northern California, says the balloons caused more than 200 power outages last year in its coverage area.
Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth opposed the bill, saying power outages from balloons are a minor problem.
The Temecula Republican also says a ban could discourage rescue devices that use tethered balloons as distress signals. Scott said such emergency items would be exempted.
Scott's bill fell five votes short of the 21 it needed for passage in the Senate on Monday.
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