Assembly OKs Bill Banning Toxic Paint

A bill banning use of a barnacle-killing paint on boats was sent to the governor Thursday by the state Assembly.

The Assembly accepted Senate amendments that prohibit future use of the highly toxic tributyltin-based (TBT) marine paint but do not require its removal from vessels or marine gear already coated.

Also, the amendments removed a provision calling for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board to study the effects of the paint and report to the Legislature by June 30, 1988.

Assemblyman Dan Hauser (D-Arcata), the bill’s author, argued earlier that the ban on TBT-laced paint was needed because of mounting scientific data indicating that it kills or stunts the growth of oyster and mussel beds near boat marinas.

Boating industry and recreation association lobbyists complained that the legislation would force use of less effective paints and higher maintenance and fuel costs.

Still, the bill passed without opposition on the Assembly floor.

TBT became a favorite of the U.S. Navy, but widespread use was put on hold when adverse publicity about the potent paint touched off a controversy two years ago.