Thousands Call on Gov. Snyder to Repeal Fireworks Act

Thousands in Michigan this summer are still making noise about the additional noise as a result to easier access to fireworks.

West Bloomfield resident Brad Lang is among them and is soliciting support from residents across the state to repeal the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011, which was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than in neighboring states.

"The result has been a drastic increase in the amount and violence of private fireworks displays all over the state of Michigan, thereby endangering people, pets and property. It is not worth the additional revenue," Lang wrote in a letter to members of the Michigan civic action group, MoveOn, adding that is why he created a petition on SignOn.org.

The petition has attracted signers from all over the state and Metro Detroit area, citing various concerns, including: record-breaking dry conditions, high costs for health care, and noise pollution. The 4,700 who have signed the petition are asking the Michigan legislature to repeal laws signed this year, making fireworks easier to purchase.

The SignOn.org petition, with a listed target goal of 5,000 signatures, reads:

"We call upon the members of the Michigan Legislature to immediately repeal the Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011, and for the Governor to sign that repeal, in the interest of the safety and well-being of the citizens of Michigan."

also shows support for a repeal: 65 percent of those who answered said the act "goes too far."

Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Snyder said that local officials have some flexibility under the state law. They’re able to regulate the use of fireworks and enact noise ordinances except for the day before, on and after a federal holiday like the Fourth of July.

“The governor is always interested in feedback and continuous improvement, but also recognizes this is the first year of the law and it will take some time to adjust accordingly,” Wurfel said.