The California Lead Acid Battery Recycling Act (AB 2153 – C. Garcia) passed both houses of the California legislature last week. The bill is now with Governor Brown, who has until Sept. 30 to take action.

AB 2153 represents a collaborative effort to codify an extremely effective recycling program for lead acid batteries and also enact a method to fund the cleanup of the communities around a former lead acid battery recycling facility in the Los Angeles area, which is in Assembly member Garcia’s district.

CAWA, along with the Auto Care Association, Battery Council International, Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), joined efforts to ensure the legislation addressed the lead contamination problem while not disrupting the current existing successful battery recycling system or imposing fees on the retail industry.

“The final bill that is being considered by the Governor represents a working compromise which addresses the environmental issues of concern as well protecting the current lead acid battery recycling system between retailers and consumers, which boast over 98 percent success rate,” said Rodney Pierini, CAWA president and CEO.

For more information about AB2153 visit cawa.org.