In the first public hearing of the new term, senators discussed a bill to ban the importation of skincare products that include chemicals harmful to our coral reefs.

“Our coral reefs are not just beautiful underwater landscapes. They are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of marine life and provide significant economic and environmental benefits to our community,” said Vice Speaker Tony Ada.

Ada is the author of Bill 35, which has the support of nine cosponsors.

If passed, all skincare products that have oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene would be banned.

These are petrochemicals, or chemicals derived from petroleum, that are commonly found in sunscreen.

Guam Coral Reef Initiative Program Manager Ashton Williams with the Guam Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife resources testified in support of the ban.

“We know that certain chemicals used in certain skincare products are harmful to our oceans, not just to our corals, but fish, sea turtles and invertebrates. Some of those chemicals have already been banned specifically for coral reefs in other areas like Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and the Republic of Palau,” said Williams.

She added, on Guam, it’s not just easy to find products with these harmful ingredients but it’s actually more difficult to find products without.

“Most of our major shopping centers, particularly those that cater to tourism, have few or no reef safe options,” Williams said.

The three chemicals are not only found in sunscreen but in cosmetics, hair care, bath and shower products and even in nail polish.

Guam Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michelle Lastimoza also is in support of the measure but when asked by Sen. Vincent Borja whether a complete ban is necessary, she admits it’s a hard decision to make.

“I’m going to play devil’s advocate here. Those products that contain those chemicals are still considered and deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration. So there’s the argument that you’re banning something that’s still generally considered safe,” said Lastimoza.

Senator Ada noted the committee received a letter in opposition from local vendor suncare distributors, though it was not read aloud.

Those found in violation of the import ban could be fined from $100 up to $5000.

Senators are accepting public comments for seven days. You can email your testimony to vicespeakertonyada@guamlegislature.gov.