2nd State Ban of Coal Tar Sealant Nears as Minnesota Legislature Acts!
Today Minnesota’s House and Senate voted to pass a ban of coal tar pavement sealants. If signed by the governor in the next two weeks, Minnesota would become the second state in the United States to pass a ban of this product. The bill is part of a larger bill called the Omnibus Legacy Bill […]
Minnesota’s Statewide Ban of Coal Tar Sealants Clears the House
Late last Friday the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the $538 million omnibus legacy finance bill (HF 1183). One of the amendments to the bill is a the statewide ban of coal tar sealcoats. After vigorous floor debate on other elements of the legislation, the measure passed 70 to 55. The amendment was offered by […]
Hey Maine DEP “Help Reduce Pollutants, in Our Backyards”!!
In 8 years of tracking this topic a first was reached last week at Maine’s committee hearing about LD 1212. The state’s environmental protection agency testified AGAINST the ban of coal tar sealants. You heard right, the Director of Policy for the State of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Heather Parent, read a letter of opposition […]
Maine Coal Tar Sealant Industry Lays It on Thick at Committee Hearing
The coal tar sealant industry laid out a thick and deep version of reality to Maine’s Environment and Natural Resources Joint Committee this week. The hearing was for a bill introduced by Matthea Daughtry to ban coal tar sealant sale and use in the State of Maine (LD 1212). Many of the claims were re-treads […]
Happy Earth Day 2013! Rep. Doggett Re-introduces Coal Tar Sealant Ban Legislation!
Image Credit: NASA Congressman Lloyd Doggett from the 35th District of Texas has re-introduced a bill to phase out the use of coal tar pavement sealants across the US. Last year Congressman Doggett sponsored similar legislation, but it never left committee. For nearly a decade, Doggett has been a ardent supporter of efforts to understand […]
“It is Time…” for Chicago to Ban Coal Tar Sealants!
Last week Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, one of the most powerful politicians in the City, introduced legislation to ban the use of coal tar sealants. “Coal tar sealants have been banned in enough jurisdictions across the country that I believe it is time for Chicago to consider similar action,” Alderman Burke said in a media […]
AVISO: First Known Spanish Information Piece for Maryland Coal Tar Sealant Ban
Just wanted to say “thank you” to the local government of Montgomery County, Maryland. Not only did they pass a ban of coal tar pavement sealants last year, but in what may be the first in the US, they have made a Spanish translation of their English ban information flyer. Why is this noteworthy? Several reasons really. […]
A Legislator’s View of Minnesota’s Proposed Coal Tar Sealant Ban
Legislation for another state ban of coal tar pavement sealants has now been introduced by the State of Minnesota. This is the third ban of its kind currently being considered in the US during this legislative season. Earlier this year, bills were introduced in New York and Michigan. To date, there hasn’t been a lot […]
Top 12 Info Sources About Coal Tar Sealant Pollution
People frequently ask me about brochures and information about coal tar sealants. With any emerging field of understanding, information changes and makes some materials outdated or obsolete. Also, there really isn’t a one-size fits all kind of educational piece. Thankfully there are a growing number of resources for all interest levels. So here are some […]
Minnesota Paving Way for Safer Seal Coats on Asphalt
Sealed Asphalt Play Area Common Throughout the US Photo by Tom Dills ©2006Dill_Pixels Used with Permission The following article is a good summary of the excellent work currently going on in Minnesota from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Waterfront Bulletin for March 2013: In spite of recent wintry weather, summer maintenance season is fast approaching for […]