Source: Fox News
Summary
A decades-long Fourth of July fireworks tradition in Long Beach, California, is being cancelled due to environmental concerns. The event, which has raised $2 million for local children’s programs, was rejected by the California Coastal Commission despite an appeal. The commission cited concerns about protecting the bay, but the event organizer, John Morris, claims that 10 years of environmental studies have shown no harm to the environment. The commission approved a permit for a drone show instead, which would cost four times more than traditional fireworks.
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As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
The California Coastal Commission has spoken, and the fireworks tradition is no more. John Morris, the event organizer, is left to wonder what it’s really about. The commission cites environmental concerns, but Morris points to years of testing and studies that show no harm. The decision stands in contrast to other approvals, like the one granted to SeaWorld for 40 nights of fireworks. The community will feel the loss, from local businesses to families who made the event a tradition.
It’s a familiar phase: tradition vs. environment, with the environment winning out. But what’s really at play here? Is it about protecting the bay, or is it about something else? The answer remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the fireworks tradition is going dark.
Author: Evan Null
