LANSING (WKZO-AM) — House lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the use of sky lanterns.
The legislation was introduced by a Sterling Heights representative, who called the floating, fire-powered paper devices uncontrollable, and said they pose a fire hazard.
Jennifer Raymond, who is a part of a group called “Lose the Lanterns,” authored a petition at Change.org out of fears over fire, injury to animals and waste.
“They are absolutely banned elsewhere,” Raymond said. “Thirteen states have banned these lanterns, several countries have banned them nationally — it’s not just us alone that have concerns about this product.”
Commissioners in Bay City are considering their own ban if the effort at the state level fails. Illinois and Minnesota have already passed similar prohibitions.
– Anthony Pollreisz
