California Clarifies Rule to Phase Out Hexavalent Chromium Processes

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to advance a new rulemaking to transition hexavalent chromium plating to trivalent chromium for (1) decorative chromium plating, (2) functional chromium plating and (3) chromic acid anodizing. CARB recently announced its intent to phase out hexavalent chromium for decorative chromium plating within two years. 

In addition, CARB proposes to phase out hexavalent chromium for functional and chromic acid anodizing with in fifteen years.  Prior to the fifteen-year deadline, CARB would impose additional pollution controls to reduce hexavalent chromium emissions (similar to those recently promulgated by the South Coast Air Quality management district for southern California.  CARB would also conduct periodic technology reviews for functional chromium plating and chromic acid anodizing to determine if trivalent chromium processes are available for these processes. 

In addition, the rule would ban any new hexavalent chromium plating and anodizing facilities.  Existing facilities may modify hexavalent chromium operations, but cannot increase the potential hexavalent chromium emissions from the facility.  All of these restrictions are being implemented despite the fact that hexavalent chromium air emissions from the surface finishing industry is approximately two pounds for the entire sate of California and represent less than one percent of total hexavalent chromium emissions in the state.

CARB has requested additional information regarding the regulatory costs of this rule and its potential impact on the surface finishing industry and critical supply chains.  CARB is in the process of developing draft regulatory language to share during a work group meeting in Spring 2022. The state is currently targeted the end of 2022 for a final rule. 

If promulgated, this rule could have a significant adverse impact on platers in California and critical supply chains, particularly aerospace, automotive, and U.S. defense operations.  NASF and its California leadership continue to claim that the state’s regulatory deadlines remain unrealistic.  NASF and its California Chapters continue outreach efforts to customers, CARB staff and Board members, California state legislators and regulatory officials regarding the potential negative impacts of this rule and the need to develop a rule that is protective of human health and the environment and is technologically feasible and economically sustainable.  

If you have any questions or would like additional information on this issue, please contact Jeff Hannapel with NASF at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com.

This update is courtesy of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). For more information or to become a member, visit nasf.org.