H.R. 8357 — 6PPD Task Force Act

This section states seven congressional findings concerning 6PPD (i.e., N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine), a chemical used in motor vehicle, military vehicle, and aircraft tires to enhance safety and durability. The findings recognize that 6PPD degrades into 6PPD-quinone, which via stormwater runoff is acutely toxic to coho salmon; note private-sector efforts to develop alternatives that protect salmon, wildlife, people, passenger safety, and the environment; and emphasize national security, supply chain, environmental, and health implications requiring timely action while maintaining vehicle safety standards.

This section directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the EPA Administrator, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act to establish the 6PPD Task Force. (6PPD—N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine—is a tire antioxidant that degrades into 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), which is toxic to coho salmon and other aquatic species via stormwater runoff.) The task force must (1) improve data sharing on 6PPD research and alternatives among federal agencies, research institutions, and state, Tribal, and local governments to assess impacts on aquatic species, human health, water quality, and the environment and to mitigate those effects; (2) identify federal funding for studying 6PPD impacts and developing, validating, and commercializing alternatives; (3) recommend ways to expedite testing of safer alternatives and encourage their market adoption in tires; (4) share best practices and cost estimates for mitigation (e.g., street sweeping, stormwater treatment); (5) research non-tire exposure pathways (e.g., recycled tire materials in turf, playgrounds, reefs); and (6) maintain a public online repository of funding, technical assistance, reports, and resources accessible to Tribes, governments, industry, academia, and the public. The task force comprises designees from DOT, EPA, USDA, USGS, FWS, NOAA, NIH, and CDC; at least four western U.S. Tribal representatives; at least four private-sector representatives (two from tire manufacturing, two from tire chemical additives); at least one from the environmental community; at least two state experts on 6PPD mitigation or impacts; and at least one university researcher on 6PPD aquatic toxicology—all non-federal members appointed by the National Academy of Sciences. DOT and EPA designees serve as co-chairs, with meetings at least three times annually; the Federal Advisory Committee Act is inapplicable. Not later than 180 days after enactment and annually thereafter, the task force must submit reports with findings, recommendations, and consulted stakeholders to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and make them publicly available.