Copper Free Brake Initiative

Reducing copper content in brake friction materials is the law in the states of California and Washington. Since the promulgation of those laws in 2010, the BMC has been directly engaged on all fronts to respond and protect the business interests of its brake friction material manufacturer members. While the laws and regulations are similar, there are some slight differences that needed to be better aligned.

By leveraging resources in AASA and MEMA’s Washington, DC office, BMC was able to successfully lead an effort and create a pathway for national implementation to reduce copper in brakes to dissuade other states from passing possibly divergent laws and regulations. On Jan. 21, 2015, BMC’s effort culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) several industry associations. This historic event was culmination of efforts spearheaded by MEMA, AASA and the AASA Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) to bring regulatory agencies and industry groups together for the collaborative development of clear guidelines at the national level to reduce copper levels in brakes.

View the signed Memorandum of Understanding