Many likely remember a Facebook post being shared during the high school graduation season asking people not to make balloon releases part of their celebration.

A New York state lawmaker took the post — and the underlying scientific message — to heart. Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-Bronx, recently sponsored legislation in the state Senate, S.6777, that would prohibit the mass release of helium balloons outdoors and the release of any balloons made of electrically conductive material like Mylar. Exemptions would include balloons used for scientific experiments.

According to the NOAA Marine Debris Program, many balloons that are not properly disposed of end up in the ocean and along shores, becoming marine debris. Once balloons enter the ocean, they can become a hazard for marine wildlife by being mistaken for food. If eaten and ingested, balloons and other marine debris can lead to loss of nutrition, internal injury, starvation, and death. String or ribbon that is often found attached to balloons can cause entanglement. String can wrap around marine life causing injury, illness, and suffocation.

In addition, Mylar balloons have become entangled in power lines and resulted in power outages. The reasonable limitations on balloon releases in this bill, which is based in part on a California law, would serve to protect the environment and wildlife.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the state Assembly (A.4754) sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Engelbright, D-Setauket.