Finishingandcoating.com Details News on the Hex Chrome Ban Hearing.
Tim Pennington, Editor-in-chief of finishingandcoating.com (F&C), on the upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hex Chrome Ban hearing on January 26th which plans to ban “decorative and functional hexavalent chromium plating and anodizing operations” in California.
Metal Finishing Association of California’s Executive Director, Bryan Leiker spoke to Mr. Pennington at F&C, about the impacts CARB’s hex chrome ban would have in California and why support at the upcoming public hearing is needed.
Public Hearing
January 26-27
CARB’s public hearing to discuss the proposed amendments to the “Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Chromium Electroplating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations” will be on January 26-27.
Important Hex Chrome Ban Information:
-
- After January 1, 2024, new chromium electroplating and chromic acid anodizing operations would be banned.
- On January 1, 2027, additional new requirements for hard plating and chromic acid anodizing facilities, including but not limited to new emissions limits, source testing, building enclosure, and more.
- January 1, 2027 deadline to eliminate the use of hexavalent chromium in decorative plating
- January 1, 2039 deadline to eliminate the use of hexavalent chromium in functional plating (includes hard plating and chromic acid anodizing)
These details are essential to know before the upcoming public hearing and meeting. The proposed amendments to the ban would affect over 100 shops, businesses, or facilities and have a domino effect leading to further repercussions throughout California industries.
MFACA’s own, Bryan Leiker, is working with Metal Finishing Association of California members, non-members, and other industry professionals to speak and enact plans against the proposed ban. Leiker has stated, “This is a make-or-break effort for this issue.” The MFACA has previously tried to compromise with CARB over the issues concerning HEX Chrome ban.
“Strategy-wise, we’ve tried to have meaningful discussions with CARB staff to address these points, but it’s fallen on deaf ears so far,” Leiker shared. “We don’t see the reason for a ban. What we’re asking for is a science-based rule like 1469 that uses control equipment and things like that.”
The MFACA, California industry businesses, and industry professionals are willing to compromise to reduce emissions but will continue to push back against the ban’s propositions.
California Metal Finishing industry supporters, owners, workers, and clients are asked to please help in any way possible be it through spreading the word, donating funds, or submitting testimony. Industry supporters are asked to please make an effort to attend the January 27th public hearing meeting in person. Also, please note that new public comments and statements must be submitted for consideration at this hearing by January 17th.
The location of the hearing is:
Mary D. Nichols Campus, Southern California Headquarters
California Air Resources Board | Haagen-Smit Auditorium
4001 Iowa Avenue, Riverside, California 92507
Further details for the remote Zoom call-in option will be announced before the meeting date on this website: ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2023/chromeatcm2023
Read more on the full Finishingandcoating.com article here.
