A bill to establish a task force to address the impacts of the chemical 6PPD and its byproduct 6PPD-Q on coho salmon and the environment and to promote research and funding opportunities for an alternative to 6PPD, and for other purposes.

This legislation aims to address environmental concerns regarding 6PPD, a chemical commonly used in rubber tires to prevent degradation. When 6PPD reacts with ozone, it creates a byproduct known as 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), which has been linked to significant mortality rates in coho salmon populations. The bill would establish a dedicated task force to investigate these impacts and coordinate a federal response to protect aquatic ecosystems and the environment.

If enacted, the bill would also promote research and provide funding opportunities to develop sustainable alternatives to 6PPD. This could eventually lead to changes in how tires are manufactured and how stormwater runoff is managed to prevent toxic chemicals from entering waterways. By prioritizing the search for a replacement chemical, the proposal seeks to balance the safety requirements of the automotive industry with the need to preserve vital fish populations and water quality.