California lawmakers to eye balloon ban

SACRAMENTO, May 8, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) --

California lawmakers are expected to considering banning colorful, whimsically designed metallic balloons that critics say can be a hazard.

A proposal for a 2010 ban to be sent to the state Senate points out that sometimes the balloons can float away and cause power outages after getting caught in overhead electrical lines, causing a short circuit, the Oakland Tribune reported.

Supporters of the proposed ban, which include Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and the California Municipal Utilities Association, say balloon-caused power outages result in millions of dollars in annual economic losses.

Opponents off the proposed ban proposal, such as the Balloon Council and the California Grocers Association, say it is an overreaction to the actual number of balloon-caused outages. 

www.upi.com

Copyright (C) 2008 United Press International. All rights reserved

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