Juneau -- The House voted 31 to 1 on Friday to approve SB 266, legislation banning the use of tributyltin (TBT) paints on large marine vessels such as cruise ships, oil tankers and factory trawlers beginning in 2001.

"SB 266 phases out the use of this toxic substance and takes a positive step forward in helping protect our state's waters and sealife," commented bill sponsor Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage). "TBT-based marine anti-fouling paints are used on the hulls of ships to prevent the attachment of barnacles and algae. Unfortunately, research has shown that TBT paints are very poisonous to certain forms of sealife, especially shellfish. Over time TBT paint leaches off vessels and damages shellfish, even at very low levels of exposure."

The TBT ban proposed in SB 266 is consistent with a growing international consensus that TBT should be phased out and replaced with other, less toxic substances. "The Alaska Legislature banned TBT use for most vessels back in 1987, but the law carved out an exemption for large vessels of 4,000 tons or more. SB 266 expands the ban to cover these larger vessels, beginning on January 1, 2001. The International Maritime Organization has recommended that TBT use everywhere should be ended by 2003. After that, alternative paints will be employed, such as those used by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Marine Highway System."

SB 266 is supported by the Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association, and the North West CruiseShip Association, a trade association of cruise ship operators.

SB 266 now goes to the Governor for signature.

Attachment:

• Sponsor Statement
  

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= Loren Leman, 71 K