California and Washington were the first states to Give Water a Brake by passing laws in 2010 to ban copper and other hazardous materials from brake pads in automobiles. Now other states including New York are beginning to follow suit. Last year a bill was introduced to the New York State Senate numbered S1356-2011 and titled “An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to limiting the use of certain substances in brake friction material.” The stated purpose of this bill was to address the serious health risks in current brake pads. Every time we step on the brakes, toxic materials are released from the brakes entering and contaminating our water sources. Too much copper is detrimental to aquatic organisms that are at the base of our food chain.
If passed, the bill would set a baseline concentration of the amount of antimony, copper, nickel and zinc allowed in brake friction material. The bill would additionally develop “compliance criteria.” These criteria would include certification of compliance by manufacturers, marked proof of certification, and ensure that all new vehicles by 2022 would be equipped with certified brake friction material. The bill also states that the fiscal impact of imposing this law would be minimal. Since the bill was introduced in the senate in January 2011, it has been amended and was referred back to the Committee on Transportation in January 2012. As of now, the New York Senate has not voted on this bill.
To check out the bill: click here
Give Water a Brake is sponsored by Ecostop, the only copper-free ceramic brake pad currently on the market.
Earthgarage – Greener Car. Fatter Wallet.