This Bill has us wondering, how about you?   BoatUS and our friends at the Recreational Boaters of California have been monitoring California Senate Bill 1066, which would create an “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) requirement for marine flares in the state. To put it simply, this proposed EPR would make marine flare manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of a product, including take-back, recycling, and final disposal.   Boater safety is the top priority for BoatUS and our non-profit BoatUS Foundation, and we recognize the critical role of visual distress signals. We also recognize that the US Coast Guard requires USCG-approved visual distress signals onboard vessels. While boaters have several options to meet this requirement, many opt for pyrotechnic flares that produce a bright light or plume of colorful smoke. These flares have a limited lifecycle and are required by the USCG to be replaced every 42 months.   California Senate Bill 1066 comes in response to the issue with flare disposal – there are virtually no methods currently in place for the safe disposal of pyrotechnic flares. This creates a burden for both the environment and boaters alike.   BoatUS supports the general nature of this legislation, but as an organization dedicated to the interests of recreational boaters, we must take into consideration the potential outcomes of California Senate Bill 1066 that could result in manufacturers increasing the costs of flares for consumers as they pass along the costs associated with the EPR. Would the increase in marine flare costs discourage boaters from purchasing essential safety equipment, and/or would it continue to drive innovation in signaling devices, or lead boaters to adopt other USCG-approved options, such as flags and electronic distress signals?

from Linked In