California Public Hearing to Decide Fate of Hex Chrome Plating and Anodizing

California metal workers fight for their livelihood as the latest battle over hexavalent chromium regulations continues. Photo Credit: Products Finishing

The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing on January 26 and January 27. On January 27 at 8:30 a.m. PST the hearing will consider proposed amendments to the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Chromium Electroplating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations. The purpose of the amendments is to eliminate the use of hexavalent chromium in California communities where the operations exist. 

Hexavalent chromium plating facilities subject to the amendments include decorative chrome plating facilities, hard chrome plating, and chromic acid anodizing facilities. Decorative chrome plating provides a bright, shiny, metallic finish on objects such as wheel rims, car bumpers, and plumbing fixtures. Hard chrome plating provides a smooth, wear-resistant surface designed to operate under extreme conditions (e.g., industrial parts, aircraft landing gears). Chromic acid anodizing generates an oxide layer on the surface of the part, imparting it with physical properties such as corrosion resistance and electrical insulation to meet military or industry-related specifications. 

The proposed amendments include the following key changes.

• Phase out use of hexavalent chromium in decorative plating by 1/1/2027
• Phase out use of hexavalent chromium in functional plating (hard plating and chromic acid anodizing) by 1/1/2039
• Interim requirements for functional plating to reduce emissions until phase out occurs including a more stringent emission standard, building enclosure requirements, biannual source tests, and enhanced housekeeping practices
• Two technology reviews to inform future ATCM amendments (for example, adjustments to phase out dates)

The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) and the Metal Finishing Association of California (MFACA) have been working to inform CARB about the repercussions such a ban will have on the metal finishing community in the state. Metal finishing operations already work in compliance with strict regulations within the state and account for the smallest percentage of emissions compared to other sources (transportation, for example). 

Bryan Leiker, Executive Director of MFACA describes January’s hearing as a “make or break effort” for the finishing industry. MFACA is urging all members of the metal finishing community to make sure their voice is heard on the issue. 

In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, interested members of the public may present comments orally or in writing during the hearing and may provide comments by postal mail or by electronic submittal before the hearing. The public comment period for this regulatory action will begin on December 2, 2022. Written comments not submitted during the hearing must be submitted on or after December 2, 2022, and received no later than January 17, 2023.

Comments submitted in advance of the hearing must be addressed to one of the following:

Clerks' Office, California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814

Electronic Submittal

The hearing will be held at:

Mary D. Nichols Campus, Southern California Headquarters 
California Air Resources Board | Haagen-Smit Auditorium
4001 Iowa Avenue, Riverside, California 92507

There is a remote Zoom call in option. Details including the public agenda, and how the public can participate via Zoom, will be posted ten days before the January 26, 2023, Board meeting.

For information visit: ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2023/chromeatcm2023