Enviros Want To Nix Fireworks on the Fourth: Locals Say Nay

In pollution-heavy San Joaquin Valley of California's Central Valley, some cities are considering replacing Fourth of July fireworks with laser light shows. Locals aren't so sure.

1 minute read

June 28, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Andrew Gorden


Environmentalist efforts are putting a strain on upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. In areas like the San Joaquin Valley, which already grapples with daily high levels of air pollution, some are hoping to turn to pollution-free laser light shows, instead of the long-standing tradition of fireworks.

As Lauren Henry, of Governing writes, "In an effort to control air pollution in the smog-prone region, the The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District offered three towns in the valley up to $10,000 to celebrate the Fourth of July with a laser light show to replace fireworks."

But, with a laser light show costing "close to $40,000 for the show alone,...[n]one of the towns accepted the offer."

"You can't have a Fourth of July show with just light beams," said Angie Avila, CEO of King's District Fair in Hanford, CA, "[t]he fourth of July just isn't the fourth of July if you don't have fireworks."

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in Governing

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight