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Legislation that would require the reduction of the amount of copper in vehicle brake pads was passed by the California Legislature on Aug. 31. Introduced by Senator Kehoe, D-San Diego, S.B. 346 would require:
- A two-step reduction in friction material copper content to no more than 5 percent after 2021, and no more than five tenths of 1 percent after 2025;
- Exempt friction materials for use on vehicles manufactured prior to the above compliance dates – otherwise known as a legacy vehicle exemption;
- Create an advisory board to review applications for and a process to follow for vehicles manufactured after the compliance dates that will not be able to meet the deadlines – otherwise referred to as an "offramp;” and
- Provides regulators discretion in the enforcement of the bill's provisions if there is evidence that any violation was inadvertent.
Working with the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA), car companies, state vehicle service groups, retailers and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), AAIA attempted to develop consensus on the legislation with the bill’s sponsor and supporters including Sustainable Conservation (SusCon). The coalition successfully obtained elimination of provisions in the original bill that would have imposed a $1 fee on each axle pad set sold, which would be collected by retailers and installers with no guarantee that the fee would not increase. AAIA and CAWA also successfully fought to eliminate provisions that would have applied the low copper standard to aftermarket brake pads sold for vehicles already on the road in 2021 when the new standards take effect.
"The resulting bill was the result of a strong commitment by the environmental community water agencies, vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket to work through our differences and develop a workable process for reducing copper in brake pads that ensures consumer safety and minimizes the economic impact on small businesses," said Rodney K. Pierini, CAWA president and CEO.
"While challenges lie ahead for the aftermarket in meeting the aggressive goals established in this bill, we are committed to moving forward in reducing copper in brake pads and urge the governor to sign this legislation when it reaches his desk," said Aaron Lowe, AAIA vice president of government affairs.
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