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Key West Moves To Ban Sunscreens That Could Damage Reefs (miamiherald.com)
Yesterday, the Key West City Commission unanimously voted to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain two ingredients -- oxybenzone and octinoxate -- that a growing body of scientific evidence says harm coral reefs. The measure must now be reviewed again by the commission before it becomes law. The second vote is scheduled for February 5th. Miami Herald reports: Environmental researchers have published studies showing how these two ingredients, which accumulate in the water from bathers or from wastewater discharges, can damage coral reefs through bleaching and harming the corals' DNA. In some instances, the corals can die. A Feburary 2016 study in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology examining the impact of oxybenzone in corals in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded that the sunscreen ingredient "poses a hazard to coral reef conservation and threatens the resiliency of coral reefs to climate change.''
Last year, Hawaii banned the sale or distribution of any sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, a measure that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. It was the first state in the nation to implement such a ban. In Florida, the website for the South Florida Reef Ambassador Initiative, which falls under the state's Department of Environmental Protection, tells divers to "Avoid sunscreens with Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. The benzones are compounds that are lethal to coral reproduction in very small amounts." Experts who have studied the issue say sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are minerals, also block ultraviolet rays. They create a barrier on the skin that deflect the sun's rays .
Last year, Hawaii banned the sale or distribution of any sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, a measure that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. It was the first state in the nation to implement such a ban. In Florida, the website for the South Florida Reef Ambassador Initiative, which falls under the state's Department of Environmental Protection, tells divers to "Avoid sunscreens with Oxybenzone and Avobenzone. The benzones are compounds that are lethal to coral reproduction in very small amounts." Experts who have studied the issue say sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are minerals, also block ultraviolet rays. They create a barrier on the skin that deflect the sun's rays .
And so did every other Senator - for the exception of 2 who were too chicken shit to vote against.
See, most American's wanted revenge. They were (are) incapable of thinking rationally - especially when the drums of war are beating.
So, the politicians use that as a means to keep their power. Did the vote really mean anything? Bush was going in no matter what - regardless of Congress said.
So, your point?
And now, most Republicans are too chicken shit to stand up to Trump's stupidity. AND there is an obvious solution where Trump can save face and his ego, keep a campaign promise (win for him) AND give the Democrats a win - such a great win that both Pelosi and Schumer would get on their knees and suck Trump sideways. But we can't have that in this sports team mentality where the other guys have to completely lose in order for "our" team to "win". And it baffles me that no one has mentioned it. But Trump in his deal making complete ineptitude is stuck on that one distraction issue. And it doesn't help that McConnell is an unethical liar and is enabling Trump's idiocy.