In a ground-breaking move, Beaufort, South Carolina, has become the pioneer among local municipalities in the state by implementing a citywide ban on balloon releases. This ordinance marks a significant step in environmental protection for the region.

The ordinance echoes a state bill that was introduced last year but failed to gain traction in the general assembly. Despite the setback at the state level, Beaufort’s city officials were determined to take action locally, emphasizing the severe environmental damage that balloon releases can inflict on the Lowcountry’s delicate ecosystem.

The decision was solidified during a council meeting held on Tuesday night, where the ordinance received official approval.

“We’re quite proud of this achievement,” stated Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall. “We’re pleased to set an example and take the lead in this initiative.”

“We’re pretty proud of that. We’re happy to lead the way in that,” said Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall.

Marshall said that 50% of salt marshes in South Carolina are in Beaufort and a large percentage of salt marshes along the Eastern Seaboard are in South Carolina.

“So, if you do the math, we should really be good stewards of that environment because 75% of all sea life, I believe, begins in the salt marshes,” said Marshall.

Balloon releases are often associated with loss and honoring loved ones or celebratory causes that hold special meanings to people.

Marshall said while the intent of releasing balloons is very well intentioned, it can be harmful.

“The unintended consequences are what we’re trying to avoid and we’re trying to avoid ‘what goes up must come down’, and we don’t want that trash landing in our salt marshes and in the ocean,” he said.

Passing the ordinance helps reassure the marshes and Lowcountry land are protected.

The city already had an ordinance that prohibited balloon releases on city-owned property.

“The difference now is that you cannot release balloons anywhere within the city limits,” said Marshall.

Though the state didn’t pass a regulation or law prohibiting balloon releases, Marshall said he’s hopeful that they may bring it back forward this coming year.

He also mentioned that he thinks other local municipalities could follow in their footsteps.

“I believe that SoLoCo (Southern Lowcountry) will also hear from the environmental group that is championing this, championing this law and hopefully we’ll have other local governments on board soon,” said Marshall.

The penalty for balloon releases in the city is up to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Marshall did clarify that if one balloon is accidentally released, it will not land you a citation.

“I just want to dispel something that we’ve been asked, and that is if a kid releases a balloon, you know, are they going to be fined?  The answer is no.  That’s not the intent of the law.”

Marshall said, “Many of us have taken a bouquet of balloons from the grocery store or the party store where we buy them, and one gets away unintended. I don’t think you’ll find any of our officers who will cite you for that. It’s intended to avert the release of a lot of balloons at once in celebration events and those types of things, because that’s where the harm is coming from.”