A California congressman is pushing to ensure every American can enjoy a true fireworks show after outrage exploded over a canceled July 4 show due to a state agency’s wildlife concerns.
Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert introduced the Fireworks for Freedom Act Thursday to ensure everyone will be able to have firework displays for Independence Day, which happens to be the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif. AP Calvert called out the California Coastal Commission, which denied a permit for a fireworks display in Long Beach due to concerns that the fireworks could pollute the bay or “disrupt herons and egrets nesting nearby.”
“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,” Calvert said in a statement.
“The 4th of July is a day to celebrate our liberties and freedom,” he added. “Once again, those liberties are under attack in California.”
Fireworks industry groups such as the American Pyrotechnics Association threw their backing behind the legislation, saying unnecessary barriers would be removed but safety standards are still in place.
“By easing certain federal and state restrictions while preserving safety and local control, this bill strikes the right balance,” said Julie L. Heckman, executive director of the association.
As of now, Long Beach’s “Big Bang on the Bay” celebration won’t have its bang for the first time in 15 years. The Coastal Commission — the agency responsible for preserving the state’s coastline — said it would only allow a drone show or other fireworks alternative.
A fireworks show in Long Beach was canceled. MediaNews Group via Getty Images The cancellation sparked interest from state Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose office said it would be “looking into this matter on behalf of the people of Long Beach!” The Post reached out to Newsom’s office for any update.
The show remains canceled but the event organizer had been working over the past year in hopes something going his way.
“I’m holding out, of course, for hope, but I’m not going to get myself excited and get disappointed,” organizer John Morris told the Press-Telegram.
