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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced the Sunscreen in Parks Findings Act (SPF) Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the National Park Service (NPS) to study and report on ways to make sun protection more available in national parks at low or no cost.

“This bipartisan legislation is about keeping people safe, expanding access to sunscreen, and decreasing rates of skin cancer. I am grateful for Congressman Lawler’s partnership as we work across the aisle to keep Americans safe as they enjoy the beauty and recreation our national parks have to offer,” said Congresswoman Dingell, Co-chair of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus.

The legislation would require the NPS Director to submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources within one year after enactment, including:

• The possible environmental effects of any sunscreen distributed in parks.

• How usable the sunscreen would be for people with different skin tones.

• A plan to increase visitor awareness about the importance of sun protection to help prevent skin damage and skin cancer.

“Protecting Americans from skin cancer starts with making basic sun protection readily accessible. Our national parks should be places where families can enjoy the outdoors while taking simple, commonsense steps to protect their health. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to expand access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in our national parks,” said Congressman Lawler, Co-chair of the Extreme Heat Caucus and the Appalachian Trail Caucus. 

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.