Despite efforts by activists in Key West and other communities, the Florida Senate recently advanced a bill that would block a ban on sunscreen containing chemicals that could damage coral reefs.
Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) referred to the studies that show these chemicals (namely, octinoxate and oxybenzone) contribute to coral bleaching as “junk science," according to the Miami Herald.
Bradley is one of the senators who spearheaded SB 172 through the Senate, where it passed on Jan. 29 by a vote of 25 to 14. If it clears the House and is signed into law by Gov. Ron Desantis, the ban will go into effect in 2021.
While there’s currently no official ban on the books, many stores across Key West have joined in efforts to protect the reefs and stopped selling sunscreen containing the harmful chemicals. There are education efforts and activists working to inform everyone of the impact that they could have on the environment by simply switching sunscreens. One such activist, Dora DeMaria, told the Miami Herald that she maintains hope that her efforts are not for nothing.
“At the end of the day, we’re still going to keep educating people about their sunscreen," she said.
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