More places are swapping fireworks shows for drones. Here’s why

In some parts of Los Angeles County, Fourth of July celebrations are going to look a little different this year.

While fireworks are a staple for the holiday, some places are making a switch to drones. What gives?

Health and environmental impacts

The tradition of setting off fireworks on Independence Day has been around since the first organized celebrations, starting in 1777. Since then, those booms in the sky have captured our attention.

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But the flashy shows also leave behind debris that can affect the climate, wildlife and our health. While the effects have irked environmental advocacy groups for decades, there is research to back up the concerns.

Many places have already scrapped firework shows, citing environmental impacts. Cities like San Fernando and Laguna Beach are using drones this year. Grand Park’s celebration in downtown L.A. will also have them. And some L.A. neighborhood festivities have already gone the drone route.

Livia Beaudin represents the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF), which has been fighting for the end of firework use along the coastline.

“I think the most meaningful thing we can do for our country is to evolve and to recognize that some things that we were doing for hundreds of years may not be the best thing today,” Beaudin said. She said fireworks can also leave chemicals in water that’s harmful to us and aquatic life. Perchlorate is a common chemical used in fireworks, and if consumed, it could affect thyroid gland function. It’s part of why the EPA funded research into the effects of fireworks on drinking water.

Particle pollution is another issue that you don’t get with drones. Every year around Independence Day, the South Coast Air Quality Management District puts out an advisory about poor air quality, noting the risk of respiratory problems. And if you watch the L.A. skyline’s illegal fireworks display, you can clearly see the cloudy reasons why.

It’s now a permit issue too

Drones have also become more alluring in part because of changing local rules.

California has strict environmental regulations, but some cities and agencies have also begun a permitting process. For example, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board implemented a permit process last year because of an environmental lawsuit.

Under the new process, organizers have to submit an application if a fireworks show would be held over a body of water or directly connected to a waterway. The applications can require an outline for how they’d prevent pollution and manage clean-up.

The process has contributed to some last-minute changes.

Long Beach’s fireworks show had to be canceled because the application was submitted a day late, while San Pedro had to cancel its event, but brought it back with drones.

Norma Camacho, the board chair of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, said the permit process is cumbersome, but they help protect the water quality for both wildlife and the public.

“Requiring permits increases accountability for trash and pollution generated by fireworks shows over water and ensures that water quality is protected for the present and future generations of California,” she said.

Reporter Yusra Farzan contributed to this story.