Press Release: NFA Grassroots Push to CPSC to #SaveOurFireworks Nears 5,000 Supporters After One Week


 Petition to CPSC Comes After More than 2,000 Public Comments Opposing Proposed Rule

WASHINGTON – The National Fireworks Association (NFA) announced today that is has gathered nearly 5,000 signatures on a petition to #SaveOurFireworksas the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prepares to vote on a proposed rule which would ban the use of powdered metals in the break charge of consumer fireworks.   

The petition, which began last week at the NFA Convention in Wichita, KS, is fueled by 100 percent grassroots support of the NFA, which has over 1,200 members. The petition drive comes on top of more than 2,000 comments that were submitted in opposition to the proposed rule during public comment period last year.  The 2,000 comments in opposition to the proposed rule were among the most filed on any issue ever before the CPSC.

During the public comment period and now with the NFA petition, there have been nearly 7,000 individuals and businesses that have told the CPSC about why the proposed rule’s metals ban doesn’t make sense and should be abandoned. 

“Fireworks safety is critical for our industry and the NFA is a staunch advocate and promoter of fireworks safety, but the proposed metals ban doesn’t advance the goal of increased safety,” said Nancy Blogin, Executive Director of the National Fireworks Association. 

The proposed rule would prohibit powdered metals in the break charges of consumer aerial fireworks. If enacted, it would ban many of today’s most popular fireworks without any safety benefit.   

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy has expressed concern about the CPSC’s failure to consider the impact on small businesses.  The consumer fireworks industry generates nearly $900 million annually and Americans consume over 230 million pounds of fireworks during their celebrations annually.

The NFA petition drive is still online and will be through Sunday, September 23. The NFA will deliver the petitions to the CPSC Commissioners next week before they vote on the proposed rule. 

About NFA: The National Fireworks Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1,200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 

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