On Thursday California lawmakers will consider what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks as a way to get unsightly cigarette butts off the beach, eliminate second-hand smoke and reduce the threat of wildfires.
Maine banned smoking at its state beaches last year, but no states prohibits lighting up throughout its entire park system. Under legislative compromise, campsites and parking areas will be exempted from the ban. Jenny Oropeza says "It is very clear that the garbage that is created as a result of smoking on beaches are polluting our water. In terms of the state park system, we have a major fire hazard when cigarettes are smoked in parks."
If caught smoking on these grounds a after this bill is passed, you will be charged with a $100 fine. Similar smoking bans are being considered in Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York.
I am personally trying to quit smoking, doing a great job only one here and there. I think this is a great idea for outdoor life. The butts do pile up fast if no one is picking them up, and could be eaten by an animal and cause serious damage to their body.I know its not as fair to ban smoking outside opposed to a bar/restaurant, but we will gain more out of the ban. We would be saving animals, wildlife, littering, and water pollution all of which need improvement. I would recommend this bill to all states, this could also decrease the number of smokers in each state, which will lead to a healthier America! :)
There are two ways to look at everything. Is it not ones right to smoke or not to smoke? Banning smoking could be considered predgidest, sorta like banning a certain race from using the park. I have been to several State Parks and they put plastic cans with sand to put ciggerate butts in. I thought this was very thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteI to am trying to quite smoking, but I do find that some of these laws have gone to far. These laws are no better than what happened to the African-Americans in the 19th and early 20th centruy.