Sponsors (6)
The bill prioritizes protecting waterways and accelerating research and coordination to replace a toxic tire additive, but it trades off higher costs, potential supply or safety risks during transition, and reduced advisory oversight that may raise conflict-of-interest and accountability concerns.
State, Tribal, and local communities that rely on salmon and aquatic wildlife will get stronger scientific recognition and guidance that 6PPD breaks down to toxic 6PPD‑Q, supporting actions to reduce runoff contamination and protect waterways and fish.
Researchers, universities, and U.S. tire makers will get prioritized research focus and encouragement to develop safer tire additives and alternatives, accelerating innovation that could reduce environmental and human harm while maintaining tire performance.
Public agencies and local communities will have access to practical mitigation tools (an online repository, best practices like street sweeping and stormwater treatment, technical assistance, and annual reports) to reduce 6PPD runoff impacts.
Tire manufacturers, transportation workers, small businesses, and consumers could face higher prices or supply disruptions during a transition to 6PPD alternatives if replacements are scarce or more expensive.
Drivers, transportation agencies, and public safety rely on tire performance; rushing substitutions risks compromising vehicle safety if alternatives are adopted before meeting performance standards.
Private‑sector members on the Task Force (including tire industry designees) may create perceived or real conflicts of interest that could influence recommendations about acceptable alternatives or timelines.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT (with EPA) to contract NAS to establish a 6PPD Task Force to study 6PPD/6PPD-Q, coordinate research, and report mitigation and alternative recommendations.
Official title: To establish a task force to address the impacts of the chemical 6PPD and its by-product 6PPD-Q on coho salmon and the environment and to promote research and funding opportunities for an alternative to the chemical 6PPD, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 16, 2026 by Marilyn Strickland · Last progress April 16, 2026
Creates a National Academy of Sciences–hosted 6PPD Task Force, to be contracted by the Department of Transportation in consultation with EPA, to coordinate research, data sharing, mitigation practices, and development of safer tire-chemical alternatives related to 6PPD and its toxic degradation product 6PPD-Quinone. The Task Force will include federal, tribal, state, academic, industry, and environmental representatives, meet at least three times a year, be exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and deliver a public report within 180 days and annually thereafter.