California Looks to Finalize Rule Phasing Out Hexavalent Chromium Plating Processes

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues its efforts to finalize a rule to phase out hexavalent chromium plating.  The rule is expected to be finalized by summer 2023 and become effective January 1, 2024.  The new rule would impose the following new requirements.

• January 1, 2024 -- The new rule would prohibit any new permits for chromic acid anodizing and hard or decorative chromium electroplating facilities. 
• January 1, 2026 -- Hard chromium and chromic acid anodizing facilities would have to implement control requirements to meet stringent air emissions limits.
• January 1, 2027 – All existing decorative hexavalent chromium would be prohibited.
• January 1, 2039 – All existing hexavalent chromium functional plating and chromic acid anodizing would be prohibited.

Prior to the deadline to phase out hexavalent chromium functional plating and chromic acid anodizing, CARB plans to conduct a technology review to determine if the technology is available to replace hexavalent chromium.  CARB would either shorten or extend the deadline depending on that review.

Public Hearing and Comments Schedule

NASF has worked closely with the California plating industry leadership and members on this rulemaking.  While these efforts have not yet convinced CARB officials to abandon this draconian rule, they have been successful in delaying the effective dates for the planned phase outs.  The industry will have an opportunity to submit written and oral comments on the rule to CARB at a January 27, 2023 public hearing to be held in Riverside, California. 

There will also be option to attend the public hearing virtually through Zoom.  Interested parties are encouraged to attend and/or submit written comments.  For those not intended to submit oral comments at the public hearing, the deadline for submitting written comments is January 17, 2023.  More information on the public hearing is available at:  Notice of Public Hearing to Consider the Proposed Amendments to the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Chromium Electroplating and Chromi Acid Anodizing Operations (ca.gov).

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the public hearing or this rule, please contact Jeff Hannapel or Christian Richter with NASF at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com or crichter@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.