1012 - Tabled

[tmthforu94]

Mr. Speaker,

I come over to this chamber today to rise in strong opposition to this bill. Permitting the sale and use of fireworks at any time is dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Fireworks should only be allowed as they are now - permitted on only certain days, at certain times, if weather conditions are right, and only in certain places.

Reasons? First, fireworks contribute to air pollution, and while we don't see the effect as much now, we certainly would if people could light them all the time. Additionally there is noise pollution - this would throw out city noise ordinances; your neighbor could light fireworks every night at 3 in the morning if they wanted to.

Fireworks are a major fire hazard and hundreds of houses burn each year because of them. And what if there is a drought? This bill could very well lead to widespread fires if our nation went through a drought.

The most important reason for me? PTSD victims and animals. I commend our bravest Atlasians who risked their lives fighting for our freedom. For many, July 4th is one of the hardest days of the year because the sounds bring them back to their days in combat. Allowing fireworks at any time, anywhere, quite simply, is a slap in the face to our veterans suffering from PTSD. Also, more dogs go missing on July 4th than any other day - fireworks startle animals and is a traumatizing experience for them.

I have laid out multiple reasons why this is a poorly-thought out and honestly quite dangerous bill. Personally, I'd rather institute a national ban on fireworks for the reasons listed above, but I won't be offering an amendment to change this unless there is a strong desire from others. I strongly urge the House to table this bill so we can focus on legislation that will improve our quality of life, not diminish it.