HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 05-C0520
RESOLUTION NO. 05-052
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ZUSA
URGING THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE TO PASS AB 1240: AUTO
MERCURY SWITCH RECYCLING ACT.
WHEREAS, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that mercury
exposure at any level can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of
people of all ages; and
WHEREAS, The California Research Bureau Report issued last May, 2004
affirmed the environmental risks associated with mercury and suggested legislation
creating properly funded mercury switch recovery program; and
WHEREAS, Scrap automobile processing contributes 10 to 12 tons of mercury
into the environment annually, making it the 4`h largest source of mercury emissions in
the US and the greatest consumer -generated source of mercury in our waste stream;
and
WHEREAS, the Clean Car Campaign estimates that California will retire at least
972,000 mercury switches from end -of -life vehicles in 2005; and
WHEREAS, AB 1240 responds to the recommendations in the CRB report by
appropriately placing responsibility for financing the removal and recycling of the
mercury switches on the automobile manufacturers, while utilizing the state's existing
dismantling and recycling industries and financed by auto manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, AB 1240 is virtually identical to a successful policy already enacted
in Maine and recently adopted in New Jersey and Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, AB 1240 creates regulations for a scrap/recycling mercury switch
collection program, providing monetary incentives to help reduce the release of
mercury; and
WHEREAS, AB 1240 returns responsibility of the product to the product
manufacturer, who will finance, organize and implement the program for auto
scrap/recyclers in association with the California Department of Toxic Substances
Control; and
WHEREAS, AB 1240 will be held in the California Senate as a two-year bill,
while the Auto Industry implements a voluntary 6 -month pilot program to facilitate
the recycling of mercury switches; and
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WHEREAS, in those six months, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
(AAM) have agreed to collect and recycle thirty -percent of the estimated 635,170
switches that will be retired from end -of -life vehicles, and the cost of the program to
be internalized by AAM and that the costs of the program shall not be bourns by local
governments or taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the success of the six month voluntary program will be evaluated
before the California Legislature in January, 2006.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Azusa
Azusa hereby urges the California Legislature to pass AB 1240.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Azusa send a
copy of the final signed resolution to Assembly Member Fran Pavley, PO Box 942849,
Sacramento, CA 94249-0041. FAX (916) 319-2141.
PASSSED, APPROVED AD ADOPTED this 6'" day of June, 2005.
AVE HARDISON, MAYOR PRO -TEM
1 HEREBEY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution no. 05-052, was duly
adopted by the City Council of the City of Azusa at a regular meeting, thereof, held on
the 6' day of June, 2005, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
HARDISON, CARRILLO, ROCHA, HANKS
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NONE
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
CHAGNON
ABSTAIN:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NONE