Why is 2025 the deadline for achieving the effective elimination of copper from brake pads?
• A: SB 346’s supporters recognize that the brake pad manufacturing industry needs time to do the necessary research and development of copper-free brake pads, and that the vehicle manufacturing industry also needs time to design braking systems for those new materials and incorporate them into their various platforms. However, the proponents also know that municipalities face ruinous costs and penalties if they fail to comply with their copper TMDLs. Setting the deadline in 2025 gives industry a full 14 years to develop and introduce copper-free brake pads (a process many companies have already begun), while also allowing municipalities to meet their TMDLs.
