S. 1371 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1371 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 8, 2019Mr. Merkley (for himself and Ms. Hirono) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on the effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate on the environment and public health, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Impact Study Act of 2019. 2. Study on the effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate on the environment and public health (a) Study (1) In general The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the Administrator) shall conduct a study on the impact of oxybenzone and octinoxate on— (A) the environment, including lethal and sublethal impacts on aquatic ecosystems; and (B) public health. (2) Inclusion The study under paragraph (1) shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on the impact of oxybenzone and octinoxate on the protection and propagation of— (A) coral reefs; and (B) marine life. (3) Consultation In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with— (A) marine biology research centers located in the United States on the shores of large bodies of water; and (B) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (b) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress and make publicly available on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency a report that describes the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).