updates
issues
resources
action
about
May 29, 2002
Dear Policymaker:
The attached model legislation addresses the problem of potential environmental and human health effects from the release of mercury contained in automobile switches. The legislation was developed by a unique coalition of environmental organizations and the industries involved in vehicle recycling. These organizations together constitute the Partnership for Mercury-Free Vehicles. The Partnership has been working together over the past year to promote effective strategies that address the auto mercury problem, including the development of an Action Plan that establishes principles for mercury removal and collection programs.
The model legislation requires vehicle manufacturers to establish and fund a system for the removal and safe management of mercury switches in vehicles. The legislation also prohibits the sale of new vehicles containing mercury switches and phases-out the use of other mercury-added vehicle components over the next few years. The mercury switch collection system requires achieving a capture rate of at least 90%, and includes removal from vehicles in commerce as well as end-of-life vehicles.
The various provisions of the model bill are intended to work together to achieve the policy objectives. For example, the need for a high capture rate of mercury switches to ensure the protection of human health and the environment is supported by a fair compensation rate for those parties recovering the switches. This ensures an appropriate market incentive for the mercury collection system to operate. Also, by requiring vehicle manufacturers to take the primary responsibility for establishing the switch collection system, the legislation encourages avoidance of potential hazards in future automobile designs. Placing the burden on consumers or government agencies would send the opposite message to manufacturers. The Partnership therefore strongly encourages the inclusion of all elements of the model legislation to ensure an effective overall package.
The Partnership has already advised a number of state and federal policymakers on this issue, and has played a role in the development and passage of the State of Maine's recent legislation addressing mercury emissions from motor vehicles. The enclosed model bill draws on the experience gained from these activities, and represents a further refinement of the key elements we believe will most effectively address the current mercury problem. By implementing this legislation, emissions of automotive-related mercury can be eliminated.
Please don't hesitate to call on any of the Partnership members for further background or advice. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Partnership for Mercury Free Vehicles
William P. Steinkuller
Executive Vice President
Automotive Recyclers Association
3975 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 20-North
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 385-1001
Robin K. Wiener
President
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
1325 G Street, NW Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 737-1770
Alexandra McPherson
Director
Clean Production Network
Sidway Building
775 Main Street, Suite 230
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 853-1797
Michael T. Bender
Executive Director
Mercury Policy Project
1420 North Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 223-9000
Charles Griffith
Auto Policy Director
Ecology Center
117 N. Division Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-2400, ext. 116
Thomas A. Danjczek
President
Steel Manufacturers Association
1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 715
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 296-1515
Kevin Mills
Director, Pollution Prevention Alliance
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-3500
William M. Heenan, Jr.
President
Steel Recycling Institute
680 Andersen Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15220-2700
(412) 922- 2772
Margaret Wooster
Executive Director
Great Lakes United
Buffalo State College, Cassety Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, New York, 14222
(716) 886-0142
email: info@cleancarcampaign.org