RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has issued a press release expressing its gratitude to California State Senator Christine Kehoe for her leadership in negotiating and working to pass SB 346, a bill that addresses copper content in brake pads. The bill now heads to Gov. Schwarzenegger for his signature.

“The final outcome represents a balanced approach between the environmental concerns, industry feasibility and above all, motorist safety,” said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO. “We are pleased with the outcome of this bill and believe all parties worked together to achieve a solution that meets the needs of our industry, the watershed community and the motoring public.

“While we continue to believe that the approach taken earlier this year in Washington State offers a more manageable approach to the removal of copper from brake pads, the California bill takes into consideration the unique circumstances faced in the Los Angeles and San Diego watersheds that do not exist elsewhere in the United States,” Handschuh said. “The California legislation was specifically drafted to address those concerns.”

Specifically, SB 346 calls for:
• Copper in brake friction materials sold in California to contain no more than 5 percent copper beginning January 1, 2021, and 0.5 percent copper beginning January 1, 2025.
• A timeline that would allow manufacturers of replacement brake friction materials to deplete their non-compliant inventory.
• The creation of an advisory committee to assess alternatives to 0.5 percent copper and an extension process for manufacturers if alternatives are not yet available.
• No fees other than an assessment to help pay for the costs of administering extension requests.
• An exemption for brake friction materials used for certain motor vehicle classes, as well as an exemption on the sale of vehicles or brake friction materials manufactured prior to certain dates.

“This bill is a workable, feasible approach,” Handschuh continued. “We are very grateful for the work put in by our industry members and California government officials in addressing a challenging environmental concern in a manner that addresses the objectives of all parties.”