Following the lead of the New York State Assembly, the state senate last week voted 35-26 to ban the use of lead wheel weights in the Empire State.
The bill was sent to Gov. David Patterson for signature just before the holiday weekend.
Originally introduced by Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, A8687-B bans any person or company from distributing, selling or balancing a tire with a wheel weight containing more than 0.1% lead by weight. That portion takes effect as of Apr. 1, 2011.
The bill would also ban OE fitment of lead wheel weights, as of Apr. 1, 2012.
“Far too much toxic lead enters our environment from wheel weights that fall off and leach into our soil and water supply,” said Rosenthal on the Senate passage of the bill. “I am gratified to have successfully led the charge to phase out lead wheel weights and assist businesses that have already taken the responsible step of switching to steel versions of this product. The EPA may take action on this issue at some point, but New York’s large market share ensures that this decision will reverberate nationwide.”
New York joins Illinois, California, Washington, Maine and Vermont, which all passed anti-lead weight laws within the last year. Illinois just passed its ban in May.
