Summary
The issue has been under consideration since the 1990s, when cities south of San Francisco were having trouble meeting Clean Water Act requirements to reduce copper in urban run-off flowing into San Francisco Bay. Preliminary studies indicated that brake pads were a significant source of copper in that runoff. Tiny amounts of copper fall onto the streets and parking lots every time drivers step on their brakes.
The Brake Pad Partnership, a cooperative effort among representatives of the auto industry, brake pad manufacturers, environmental groups, storm water agencies and coastal cities, found that brakes account for anywhere from 35 to 60 percent of copper in California's urban watershed run-off, leading the group's members to determine a course of action that would address the issue.
After evaluating a number of strategies, the Partnership reached a consensus that the fairest and most effective action would be to pursue legislation mandating the phased reduction of copper used in brakes.
The Copper Development Association (CDA), the U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, supports the conclusion of the Brake Pad Partnership and its plan to phase out copper from brake pads over a 15-year period. Copper is an important, naturally occurring element in bays, streams and oceans. The CDA wants to be good stewards of its products. CDA representatives are concerned when there are reports that human activity contributes to copper levels beyond what would be healthy in the aquatic environment.
For the CDA, vehicle safety also is a priority. The CDA agrees with the auto industry that it's important to be cautious about making changes to brake pads that would have unintended, and possibly negative, consequences. The CDA supports the auto industry's position not to compromise vehicle performance or customer safety as they explore options to replace copper brake pads in vehicles of the future.
Questions & Answers
- What is brake pad legislation?
California and Washington in 2010 passed laws mandating a reduction in the amount of copper used in automotive brake pads. The state of Washington signed SB6557 into law last March. California passed SB346 in September. Both bills mandate that brake pads sold in each state contain no more than a minimal 0.5% of copper by weight and must meet all applicable safety standards. The laws differ in timing. In California, the law takes effect no later than Jan. 1, 2025. The Washington law includes a provision that manufacturers will meet the 0.5% restriction eight years from the date that safety and environmental experts deem a viable alternative is available. - Why was the legislation passed?
In the early 1990s, cities south of San Francisco were having trouble meeting Clean Water Act requirements to reduce copper in urban run-off flowing into San Francisco Bay. Preliminary studies indicated that brake pads were a significant source of copper in that runoff. Tiny amounts of copper fall onto the streets and parking lots every time drivers step on their brakes. The Brake Pad Partnership, a cooperative effort among representatives of the auto industry, brake pad manufacturers, environmental groups, stormwater regulatory agencies and coastal cities, found that brakes account for anywhere from 35 to 60 percent of copper in California's urban watershed run-off. In some urban watersheds, this added copper may be enough to cause water concentrations to exceed the state's water quality standard for copper. This led to the members' participation in determining a course of action that would address the issue. The Partnership decided that the fairest and most effective action would be to pursue legislation mandating the phased reduction of copper used in brakes. - Why is copper used in brake pads?
Copper makes for a smooth braking experience, transfers heat efficiently and helps brakes' effectiveness in cold weather. Copper also has properties that help prevent brakes from squeaking and shuddering when used. Currently, copper's unique qualities will make it difficult to replicate with other materials. But in response to the new laws, the U.S. auto industry has agreed to come up with an alternative to copper as an element in brake pads. - Is copper harmful to the environment?
Copper isn't intrinsically harmful to the environment. It's vital to the health of both plants and animals. Oceans, tidal pools, lakes, rivers, and ponds - all bodies of water that sustain life - and all contain copper as a vital, naturally occurring element. Copper's presence in basic life processes spawns species that swim, scurry, wiggle and wallow in the waters of the world. Simply stated, copper is indispensable because it is necessary for normal growth in all living things. - How has the copper industry reacted to the new legislation?
The Copper Development Association (CDA), the U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, supports the conclusion of the Brake Pad Partnership and its plan to phase out copper from brake pads over a 15-year period. Copper is an important, naturally occurring element in bays, streams and oceans. Yet the CDA wants to be good stewards of its products. CDA representatives are concerned when there are reports that human activity contributes to copper levels beyond what would be healthy in the aquatic environment. - What will brake manufacturers use instead of copper?
There will be a mix of elements to provide the characteristics that copper has historically provided. The CDA agrees with the automakers and brake manufacturers that there is no compromise to vehicle performance or customer safety as the industry explores options to replace copper brake pads in vehicles of the future.