Rep. TOM CAMPBELL (R-Roy)
2nd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Olympia office: 334 John L. O'Brien Building
PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Office: (360) 786-7912

For immediate release: Feb. 27, 2007

Measure to eliminate lead wheel weights gets a big vote

Olympia -- The House Select Committee on Environmental Health voted unanimously for a bill to replace lead wheel weights, now used exclusively, to an environmentally preferred alternative, such as zinc or steel.

House Bill 2143, which passed the committee today 9 to 0, is sponsored by Rep. Tom Campbell (R-Roy) chair of the committee.

"This is a great idea that is easy to do that will have an impact on the environment, and also on the health of young children," Campbell said.

He pointed out that the problem with lead wheel weights falling off vehicles end up on and alongside Washington's state roadways. They can contribute to soil, surface, and groundwater contamination.

Lead is known for its harmful effects to every system of the human body, and it harms individuals of all ages, especially harmful to children, fetuses, and adults of childbearing age.

Campbell said this bill is an quick and easy way to do something constructive for the environment.

If passed, the law will require replacement of lead wheel weights for passenger vehicles and light trucks with lead-free alternatives beginning Jan.1, 2008 for state-owned vehicles, and the following year for all used vehicles registered in the state.
   
The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.

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Contact: Rep. Tom Campbell at (360) 786-7912 or campbell.tom@leg.wa.gov