Committee backs bill to coordinate state regulators on copper boat paint and harbor copper levels

Assemblymember Dixon presented AB 1691, which would direct the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to complete a reevaluation of copper‑based antifouling paints by Jan. 1, 2029, require collaborative studies by June 1, 2028, and publish best methods by Jan. 1, 2029. The bill aims to resolve regulatory tension between DPR (which approves pesticide formulations) and the State Water Resources Control Board (which sets water‑quality objectives and enforces TMDLs).

Chris Miller, a public works manager for the City of Newport Beach, said the city supports AB 1691 and described challenges cities face when water boards require copper reductions while DPR‑approved paints remain legally sold and applied. Recreational boating groups including Recreational Boaters of California and the Marine Recreation Association signaled concern about unintended consequences, public process and guardrails, warning the collaboration could be used to effect a de facto ban without stakeholder input.

Committee members and the author emphasized the bill is intended to enable coordinated agency action rather than substitute one agency's standards for another's. After discussion about public process and implementation guardrails, the committee moved AB 1691 to Appropriations with a do‑pass recommendation.