In a state where applicators still boast of the “harmless” and “environmentally-friendly” aspects of coal tar sealants and nearly 1 in 4 applicators prefer to use coal tar, legislation has now been introduced which will eliminate their use. If successful, California would become the largest and second state to pass a ban. It would more than triple the number of US residents under a coal tar sealant ban. The State government has been working to be coal tar free, and now the balance of the State may join as well.
Assemblymember Jared Huffman, a legislator with a track record of environmental accomplishments, introduced this legislation earlier this month. The legislation, as written, calls for the cessation of coal tar sealant application by July 1, 2013.