Fireworks for Freedom Act, allowing any town or community to launch July 4 fireworks
The congressional bill could have also been called “The Big Bang Theory.”
Context and what the bill does
In April, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) denied the permit for an Independence Day fireworks display in Long Beach, called “Big Bang on the Bay.”
Launched over Alamitos Bay since 2011, the annual event is popular with the local community. But the commission denied a permit this time around due to environmental impacts on the water and aquatic ecosystem, suggesting the event switch to drones instead of fireworks.
So the Fireworks for Freedom Act would let any town or community launch fireworks between the bill’s potential enactment and New Year’s Eve – not just for July 4 specifically. No state-level government or commission would be allowed to stop it.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA41) introduced it in the House of Representatives on April 30, two weeks after the permit denial on April 15. While he does represent a district in the same state, California, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA42) represents the district where the dispute actually occurred.
So why did Rep. Calvert introduce it instead? Likely because he’s a Republican while Rep. Garcia is a Democrat, and this news story has became a right-wing cause du jour.
What supporters say
The bill’s supporters argue that it’s practically anti-American to prohibit a fireworks display on the Declaration of Independence anniversary.
“Americans celebrate Independence Day by eating hot dogs, apple pie, and watching fireworks – and I’m not going to let left-wing lunatics stop that,” Rep. Calvert said in a press release.
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we should be planning bigger and better fireworks shows, not canceling them,” Rep. Calvert continued. “The 4th of July is a day to celebrate our liberties and freedom. Once again, those liberties are under attack in California.”
What opponents say
Opponents counter that the Long Beach fireworks show has a detrimental environmental impact.
“Representatives of the Sierra Club, Puvunga Wetlands Protectors, and Eastside Voice have submitted numerous comments over the years to Commissioners and staff,” the California Coastal Commission wrote, “alleging that the event unlawfully discharges pollutants into Alamitos Bay and adversely affects bird and marine species.”
“In conjunction, the El Dorado Chapter of the Audubon Society has been monitoring bird nesting activities along Fuel Dock Road and Marina Drive adjacent to the event site for several years,” the report continued, “and has raised concerns that the annual event poses a risk to nesting birds.”
What happens next
The bill has not yet attracted any cosponsors, not even any fellow Republicans. It’s been referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.