Copper Paint News: Ecology offers guidance on the 2018 ban

News from the Department of Ecology:

The statement reads:

As of January 1, 2018, Washington law bans the sale of new boats with copper-based antifouling paint. However, the Department of Ecology has proposed legislation that would delay ban until January 1, 2021. The proposed legislation will be considered in the upcoming legislative session that starts January 8, 2018.

While the bill is being considered by the Legislature, Ecology will not be dedicating resources to enforcement at this time. If the Legislature chooses to leave the ban in place, Ecology will reprioritize and start enforcing the ban as needed and as resources permit.

Please contact Kimberly Goetz at (360) 407-6754 or kimberly.goetz@ecy.wa.gov if you have questions about the proposed legislation, the existing ban, or other related issues.