Bill would restrict certain coal-tar sealant sales and use

People would not be allowed to sell or apply certain coal-tar sealant products. This covers products labeled as containing coal tar and designed for driveways or parking areas. It applies to wholesale and retail sellers and to people applying the products. The restriction would apply to products meeting both the coal-tar labeling and driveway-or-parking-area design requirements. A person may request an exemption from the Department of Environmental Services commissioner. The prohibition would begin January 1, 2027, if the bill takes effect.

The Department of Environmental Services commissioner may exempt a person from the sealant restrictions. The exemption would cover people researching a coal-tar sealant’s environmental effects or developing alternative technology. The person must submit a written request explaining why the exemption is needed. The commissioner must determine that using the product is required for the research or development work. The exemption authority would apply when the prohibitions begin on January 1, 2027, if the bill takes effect.