According to the US "Automotive News" reported on January 25, the US Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the automotive industry and the US states, signed an agreement to reduce the use of copper and other materials in the use of automotive brake pads to reduce environmental pollution.
This voluntary action plan will reduce the amount of copper used in brake pads by 5% in 2021. In addition to the use of copper, another important objective is to reduce the use of mercury, lead, cadmium and asbestos fibers in brake pads of motor vehicles. Decreased use of metals may reduce the amount of metals in runoff from streams, lakes and rivers throughout the United States. The accumulation of these metals can harm marine life.
California and Washington have passed requirements, and California has been able to reduce copper in urban runoff by as much as 61%.
Stan Meiburg, acting director of the US Environmental Protection Agency, said, "EPA is proud of its partnership with the automotive industry and the country to reduce the amount of copper used in automotive brake pads, which means less material. Losing roads and reducing water pollution in our country will benefit the country's environment and public health."