SACRAMENTO – California’s state senate Tuesday approved SB 1333 which would ban smoking or disposal of tobacco products at a state owned or operated beach or park.
“We have an obligation to value and preserve our environmental treasures,” said Sen. Marty Block, the measure’s author. “SB 1333 will help to keep our state parks and beaches clean and safe by removing exposure to second hand smoke and in reducing the threat of park fires.”
He added that cigarette litter poses a detrimental effect on the environment and wildlife. “Cigarettes are non-biodegradable and contain more than 164 toxic chemicals which create a substantial trash and health issue at beaches and parks. They can be ingested by wildlife and fish which leads to the contamination of our oceans and waterways.”
SB 1333 would make it an infraction to dispose used cigarettes or tobacco waste in parks or waterways and impose a maximum fine of $250 for a violation of the law. The bill also requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to post signs notifying park and beach goers of the smoking ban.
Block’s bill is supported by the California State Firefighters Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association in California, the Association of California Healthcare Districts, Sierra Club Sacramento, the Surfrider Foundation and others.
SB 1333 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 25-11.
