Marine resources: copper-based antifouling paint: standards, studies, and best methods.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify actions if harmful effects are found, nor does it provide details on costs for studies and evaluations.

Marine Resources: Copper-Based Boat Paint

This law requires studies and evaluations of copper-based antifouling boat paint by state agencies to protect marine resources.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to reevaluate copper-based antifouling boat paints by January 1, 2029.
• Collaborates with environmental agencies to study how low-leach-rate paint affects saltwater harbors and bays by June 1, 2028.
• Determines the best methods to address elevated copper concentrations in marine areas caused by boat paints by January 1, 2029.
• Publishes these best methods on the California Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Who It Names or Affects

• Environmental agencies like the Department of Pesticide Regulation and State Water Resources Control Board
• Boat owners who use copper-based antifouling paint

Terms To Know

Antifouling Paint

Paint used on boats to prevent marine life from attaching to the hull.

Leach Rate

How quickly a substance, like copper, is released into water.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what actions will be taken if harmful effects are found.
• It's unclear how much it will cost to conduct these studies and evaluations.

Official Summary Text

AB 1691, as introduced, Dixon.
Marine resources: copper-based antifouling paint: standards, studies, and best methods.
Existing law, the California Ocean Resources Stewardship Act of 2000, finds that it is the policy of the state to, among other things, ensure adequate coordination of ocean resources management science among state, regional, and federal agencies and marine science institutions, as provided. Existing law requires every manufacturer of, importer of, or dealer in any pesticide, except as specified, to obtain a certificate of registration from the Department of Pesticide Regulation before the pesticide is offered for sale. Existing law requires the Director of Pesticide Regulation to endeavor to eliminate from use in the state pesticides that endanger the agricultural or nonagricultural environment, among other things, and in carrying out this responsibility, to develop an orderly program for the continuous evaluation of all pesticides actually registered, as specified.
This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2029, the Department of Pesticide Regulation to complete a reevaluation of copper-based antifouling boat paint products, and to make the determination to retain, modify, or suspend its standards or to place new appropriate standards on the chemical composition or use of copper-based antifouling paints. The bill would require, on or before June 1, 2028, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the State Water Resources Control Board, regional water control boards, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation to collaborate on active studies related to the effectiveness of low-leach-rate paint and elevated copper concentrations in saltwater harbors, bays, and marinas that are primarily a result of the use of copper-based antifouling paint, and would require the Department of Pesticide Regulation to finish and release these studies. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2029, the California Environmental
Protection Agency, the State Resources Control Board, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation to collaborate to determine the best methods to address elevated copper concentrations in saltwater harbors, bays, and marinas that are primarily a result of the use of this paint in the state. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2029, the California Environmental Protection Agency to post on its internet website these best methods.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF