Bill > AB773

This bill addresses regulations surrounding copper-based antifouling paint used on boats by establishing a collaborative process among several California state agencies to study and manage the environmental impact of this type of paint. The bill requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to conduct a comprehensive reevaluation of copper-based antifouling boat paint products by January 1, 2028, with the option to retain, modify, suspend, or establish new standards for their chemical composition or use. It mandates that the California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board, regional water quality control boards, and Department of Pesticide Regulation jointly conduct studies by June 1, 2027, focusing on the effectiveness of low-leach-rate paint and measuring copper concentrations in saltwater harbors, bays, and marinas. Additionally, the agencies must collaborate to determine the best methods for addressing elevated copper concentrations resulting from these paints, with the California Environmental Protection Agency required to publish these methods on their website by January 1, 2028. The bill aims to create a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to regulating copper-based antifouling paint, balancing environmental concerns with the practical needs of boat maintenance.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB773